§ MR. REGINALD LUCAS (Portsmouth)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that a number of employees in His Majesty's Dockyard at Portsmouth have been dismissed; and in view of his answer to a Question on 22nd April, 1902,† it may be assumed that such dismissals will not be extensive and continuous.
† See (4) Debates, cxxi., 109.55 (Answered by Mr. Arnold-Forster.) Owing to causes which were unforeseen at the time of the previous reply referred to, a slight reduction in the numbers at Portsmouth Dockyard has become necessary. The dismissals are being confined to the less efficient workmen, and are not expected to be extensive or continuous.