HC Deb 15 April 1907 vol 172 cc589-90
MR. ROWLANDS (Kent, Dartford)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State forward whether he will suspend the further discharge of men from Woolwich Arsenal until the Committee of Inquiry which has been appointed has reported.

MR. HALDANE

I am afraid that it would not be practicable to adopt the suggestion put forward by my hon. friend. It will be imperative to carry out some discharges, and, while every endeavour is being made to reduce the number as much as possible, complete suspension of discharges could not be conceded.

MR. ROWLANDS

Will the right hon. Gentleman hurry the inquiry?

MR. HALDANE

It is being pushed on as rapidly as possible.

CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman put down the Vote for the Ordnance Department prior to the discharge of these men, so that the House may have an opportunity of discussing the whole question?

MR. HALDANE

That Question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.