HC Deb 05 November 1908 vol 195 cc1384-5
MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)

To ask the Secretary of State for War what is the weight of the barrels without moveable appliances such as backsights, of the latest patterns of foreign and colonial service rifles other than Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The information available is as follows:—

labourers who have been for years employed at the Cork barracks have received notice of immediate discharge; whether their places are to be taken by soldiers working at a much inferior rate of wages to the civilian mechanics; and, if so, whether, having regard to the Fair Wages Resolution of this House and to the distress prevalent in Cork at the present moment owing to unemployment, to provide for which the local authorities have been obliged to enter upon a large expenditure on public works, he will be good enough to direct that no change in the system of employment hitherto in force at the Cork barracks shall be made at least so long as the present emergency continues.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The matter has been referred to the district for inquiry.