§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state what number of men have been discharged or suspended from employment without offence on their part at Woolwich Arsenal since November last; whether further discharges are contemplated, and what is the cause of the 711 reduction; whether the stores are yet replenished; and whether work formerly done at Woolwich has been sent to King's Norton and other places; and, if so, can he explain why.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY, Lancashire, Westhoughton)634 men have been discharged, and more discharges are contemplated. These are due to a reduction of demands on the Factories. The stores have, to a great extent, been replenished. During the pressure of the War, and owing to the increased requirements of the service, the making up of cartridges was given to the trade; the Arsenal was, at the same time, fully employed at this work.