HC Deb 21 March 1905 vol 143 c643
COLONEL LOCKWOOD

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the distress existing in the locality of the Enfield Small Arms Factory owing to the shortage of work for the last two years, he will reconsider the proposed reduction of the staff with a view to preventing the accentuation of the distress.

MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORT

The programme for the manufacture of small arms next year will not provide sufficient work for the existing staff in the Government Small Arms Factories. It is, therefore, regretted that reduction in the staff will be absolutely necessary.