§ MR. FELLI beg to ask the Secretary f State for War how many men were 879 discharged from Woolwich Arsenal during the week ending 22nd June; and how many received notices to take effect at the end of the following two weeks.
§ MR. HALDANEFifty-six men were discharged during the week ending 22nd instant, fifty-six men have received notice to take effect on the 29th instant, and up to the present eleven men to take effect on the 6th proximo.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the discharges will terminate?
§ MR. HALDANEI cannot give the exact time, but it is not very far off now.
§ MR. FELLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if, in the discharges taking place at Woolwich, consideration is given to the cases of those who would shortly be entitled to receive bonuses on leaving; and whether any inquiries or representations on this head have been received.
§ MR. HALDANERepresentations on this head have been received and each case receives individual consideration.
§ MR. FELLDo the authorities give consideration to the cases of men who are on the point of becoming entitled to their bonus—I think it is after six or seven years service?
§ MR. HALDANEIn such cases we do all in our power to keep them on.
§ MR. FELLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if the workmen discharged at Woolwich each receive a card giving advice as to emigrating; and if, in doing this, the authorities have considered the fact that every skilled artisan is estimated to be worth at least £300 to the country which may secure him as a citizen.
§ MR. HALDANEI explained on the 13th ultimo, in answer to a similar Question from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, that workmen discharged at Woolwich receive cards informing them that, should they wish to emigrate, the Emigrants' Information Office will supply them with the most reliable information. This action is taken in the 880 interests of the men, and to prevent their being misled by bogus agencies.