§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the last increase in the establishment took place at Portsmouth Dockyard, and when the next increase will take place; whether these increases in the establishment take place at irregular intervals, thus causing considerable injustice to men approaching the limiting age of forty-five; and whether he will arrange in future for additions to be made to the establishment at regular intervals?
§ The FIRST LORD Of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)No workmen have been placed on the established list at His Majesty's dockyards since May, 1907, but the establishment will shortly be resumed. Workmen may be established only in vacancies, and not at any regular intervals, regardless of the existence of vacancies. The cases of workmen who have passed the age limit whilst the establishment has been suspended will be specially considered, provided they are the most suitable for the available vacancies.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that two months ago he promised that the establishment would be opened forthwith?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is what I am engaged in doing now. The hon. Gentleman must be aware that very numerous inquiries have to be made locally with regard to the men suitable to be appointed to the establishment.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that shortly and forthwith are synonymous terms?
§ Mr. McKENNABy forthwith I meant forthwith.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEThen why was not the establishment opened forthwith?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Gentleman must understand that before the establishment can be opened the sanction of the Treasury had to be obtained. I had just obtained that sanction, and then proceeded to take certain necessary steps in order to distinguish which workmen should be added to the establishment. Those steps were taken forthwith.