HC Deb 16 March 1905 vol 143 cc318-9

Address for Return showing:—

  1. "(1) The average number of persons employed at the Small Arms Department at Enfield, and the Manufacturing Department at Sparkbrook, respectively, for each of the last ten years, 1895 to 1904, inclusive, showing, separately, the number of the administrative and clerical staff and of the artisans and labourers.
  2. "(2)The rate of wages paid to the principal classes of workmen at the two Departments above-named, respectively.
  3. "(3) The rates of sick pay, pension allowance, or bonus, at the two Departments, respectively, if they differ in any way.
  4. "(4) The price of coal at the two factories respectively, giving, if possible, the average price per ton per annum for the same quality for the last five years.
  5. "(5) The number of small arms, whether rifles or pistols, of any kind turned out in each year by the two factories respectively.
    6. 319
  6. "(6) The amount expended during the years 1902–3 and 1903–4 at Spark-brook, in the Manufacturing Department, on new buildings, machinery, engines, and boilers.
  7. "(7) The same for the Small Arms Department at Enfield.
  8. "(8) The cost of the same class of rifle made during the last ten years at Enfield and Sparkbrook, respectively.
  9. "(9) The amount of fixed charges, including rent, rates and taxes, contributions to or provision for religious worship and secular instruction, depreciation on buildings and machinery, interest on capital, etc., debited to the Small Aims Department at Enfield and to the Manufacturing Department at Spark-wood, respectively, for each of the last five years."—(Mr. J. Chamberlain.)

MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)

said he desired to make a personal statement on the granting of this Return. In consequence of the appeal made by Mr. Speaker a few nights ago, he did not pursue his objection to this Return any further, but he wished to express his regret that the Government had not seen their way to grant the Return for which he asked, in regard to the Small Arms Department (Sparkbrook) and which, in his opinion, was necessary for a complete statement on the matter. He did not think they ought to grant one Return without presenting the House with the whole information on the matter.