§ Mr. BOWERMANasked whether it is intended that the 500 torpedo factory employés of Woolwich are to be transferred to Greenock within three months; whether he is aware that at present in Greenock there is only available accommodation for about 160 families; whether, in view of this, steps will be taken to ensure that men are not transferred to Greenock until there is proper house accommodation for them; and whether, seeing that the cost of living in Greenock is at least as high as in Woolwich, the decision to impose reductions in the remuneration of the men shall be reconsidered?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs at present arranged the transfers will take place approximately as follows:—In July, 100 men; August, 150 men; September, 175 men; October, 120 men. So far as the Admiralty are aware, sufficient accommodation is available in tenements such as are usual in the Scottish manufacturing centres. To encourage the building of cottages on the English system for the torpedo factory employés, the Admiralty have agreed to guarantee on certain conditions the rent of 100 houses which are to be commenced forthwith, and to be completed by the end of this year. The rates of pay for the 16 men transferred from Woolwich will be considerably higher than the corresponding local rates at Greenock.