HC Deb 02 November 1909 vol 12 c1653
Colonel LOCKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War how many hands were employed at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, and the Royal Gunpowder Works at Waltham Abbey, respectively, during the first working week of December, 1906, 1907, and 1908; and how many hands are employed at these establishments, respectively, at the present time?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

The figures, exclusive of the building works men employed at the factories, but inclusive of Woolwich Accounts Branch men serving there, are as follows:—

Waltham. Enfield.
1906 … 772 … 2,055
1907 … 711 … 2,054
1908 … 672 … 2,026
At present … 644 … 1,909

The figures for men of the Building Works are as follows:—

1906 … … … 86
1907 … … … 83
1908 … … … 73
At present … … … 78

Mr. W. THORNE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he thinks that is the way to solve the unemployment problem?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not know whether the hon. Member suggests that we should keep men on for the production of things which are not required.

Mr. W. THORNE

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered ways and means of making other things at Enfield works, such as cycles and motor cars?

Mr. HALDANE

Yes, and we have thought that the experiment would be the very worst and most wasteful way of disposing of public money.