§ Mr. FELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if a number of shipwrights and other workers are in course of being discharged from Portsmouth Dockyard; if so, will he say how many are to be discharged, and what is the cause of this step?
§ Mr. McKENNAA number of men, including some shipwrights, who were specially entered for purely temporary service at Portsmouth Yard, are now under notice of discharge. The total number to be discharged is 1,226. Of this total, 940 were entered in consequence of the undertaking given by the Prime Minister in his speech delivered in this House on 21st October last on the question of the relief of unemployment. The remaining 286 were specially entered to expedite the completion of work on H.M.S. "Terrible." The whole of the men in question were distinctly informed that the work was of a purely temporary nature, and that they would be discharged at the expiration of the period for which they were engaged, and each man signed a note to the effect that this was understood. The services of some of the men referred to are now being dispensed with in accordance with the arrangements entered into, but it has been found possible to keep a considerable number.
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, none.
§ Mr. McKENNAI am unable to answer; it will depend on requirements.