HC Deb 01 July 1908 vol 191 cc749-50
MR. ASHLEY

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the event of any large proportion of the men employed in naval dockyards joining the Territorial Army, he is satisfied that on mobilisation of that force the efficiency of the Navy will not be affected by the withdrawal of these men from their ordinary duties

MR. LAMBERT

The Admiralty have the first claim on the services of all men employed in the royal dockyards, and any who belong to the Territorial Army would not leave their work on the mobilisation of that force unless the Admiralty were satisfied that they could be spared.

MR. ASHLEY

Has the Admiralty informed the War Office authorities that in the event of mobilisation a certain portion of the Territorial Force will not be available?

MR. LAMBERT

I expect the War Office are aware of the facts.

MR. BELLAIRS

But is not the Admiralty perfectly well aware that the services of these men could not possibly be spared? Would they not be performing a far more important duty by repairing ships?

MR. LAMBERT

I can only repeat that they will not be allowed to leave their work unless the Admiralty is satisfied that they can be spared.