§ MR. BARNES (Glasgow, Black friars)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether there are a number of workmen at present only partially employed at Woolwich, and therefore only earning but part of the amount of wages which they had been accustomed to earn when fully employed; and, if so, will he make provision so that they may leave the service without forfeiture of the bonus to which they would be entitled if discharged.
§ MR. HALDANEThe reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the Question, men who are employed in shops where reductions will be necessary may apply to be discharged, and if, consistently with the public interest, such application can be granted, will be allowed to go and to receive such bonus as their service entitles them to.