§ MR. CARLILEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the cause of the reduction of the number of draughtsmen from 397 to 302, a reduction of nearly 24 per cent., on the figures in the Estimate for 1905–6; and whether it is proposed to discharge the ninety-five draughtsmen or to employ them in other capacities.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONA reduction of forty-six draughtsmen is due to the introduction of a new system of employing women tracers in the dockyards. The reduction of the remaining 49 is the result of a decrease in drawing work generally. The men affected will not be discharged, but will revert to other duties.