HC Deb 04 May 1905 vol 145 c914
MR. TUFF (Rochester)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the present condition of trade in this country and the fact that the question of the unemployed is still engaging the consideration of the municipalities of Rochester, Chatham, and Gillingham, he could see his way to recommending the postponement of further discharges in His Majesty's Dockyard at Chatham.

* MR. PRETYMAN

I fear the hon. Member's request cannot be complied with, as the effect of postponing discharges now would be to increase the number necessarily discharged at a later date, and a time of year more unsuitable for obtaining employment elsewhere.