§ COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the fact that since January, 1906, fifty-six men have been discharged from the Royal Gunpowder Factory, at Waltham Abbey, making a total of 400 since April, 1905, he can see his way to stopping any further discharges and withdrawing the notice posted in the notice box since March 24th, 1905, entitled warning of expected discharges, which causes a feeling of unrest among the employees.
(answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The orders for cordite for this financial year are not sufficient to keep the full number of men now at Waltham Abbey employed and some further discharges may be necessary. I can, however, assure the hon. and gallant Member that they will be as few as possible.