§ Mr. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he was aware that a number of mechanics who had served their apprenticeship in Portsmouth Dockyard, and who were discharged during adjustment or reduction, and who on discharge were obliged by family or other ties, and by the lack of work in the country, to sign on as labourers, had been and were being passed over in favour of mechanics taken from outside the dockyard, instead of having the preference over such men; and if he would consider their case?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, I am not aware of the circumstances referred to, but I am having inquiries made at once concerning the statement made in the question.
§ Mr. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he could state when a reply to the petition, sent last year, of the skilled labourers of Portsmouth Dockyard would be made?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chatham on the 10th of this month.