§ Mr. HOHLERasked the number of men entered on the establishment at Chatham Dockyard on 1st February, 1906, and 1st February, 1910, respectively; whether the establishment has been closed or suspended during any, and what, part of the period from 1st February, 1906, to the present date; the number of men to which the establishment at Chatham Dockyard is to be reduced; and when it is proposed to allow new men to be entered on the establishment at Chatham?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the first part of the question is 1,787 and 1,551 respectively. With regard to the second part, the establishment was closed during the whole period named, with a few exceptions as regards storehousemen and others not coming in the general category of workmen. The revised number allotted to Chatham and the other yards is under consideration. The filling of vacancies will proceed as soon as the revised details are settled.