§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the practicability of allotting the orders for small arms in such a way as will enable the workmen employed at Sparkbrook and Enfield Government factories to work three-quarter time, thus preventing the necessity of discharging so many men, and keeping the machinery of the nation in use.
§ *MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTAfter the discharge of the 500 men now under notice, it has been arranged to work three-quarter time until it can be ascertained whether any further orders can be given to the small arms factories, but, short time can only be justified as a temporary measure when there is a prospect of being able to resume full work in a reasonable time.