§ MR. E. H. LAMB (Rochester)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any further reduction in the number of men employed at Chatham Dockyard is contemplated during the ensuing year; and, if so, what number; and whether time can be allowed for any such reduction to be accomplished by ordinary normal wastage instead of by fresh discharges.
(Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.) A further reduction in numbers of men at Chatham dockyard is rendered necessary by the programme of work for the ensuing financial year. It is contemplated that some 425 men in all will be affected, but it is hoped, in adjusting trades, to find employment at other yards for some 225 of these. It is not practicable to bring about the reduction of staff wholly by natural wastage, but allowance has been made for this method to operate to the fullest possible extent.