§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the reason that led to the suspension of establishment in the Royal dockyards; whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to bring the establishment up to the same level as when suspended; and, if so, in what period of time; if not, whether the Government intend to proceed with the cutting-down process in the same ratio as they have done during 1906–11, or in what ratio?
§ Mr. McKENNADuring the suspension of the establishment, His Majesty's Government had under consideration the question whether it was desirable to assimilate the practice in the Royal yards to 1773 that of other Departments which employ labour on a large scale, and in which the system of establishment does not obtain. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, the numbers of the establishment have now been fixed definitely at 6,500.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that between 1905, when the establishment was suspended, and the present time, the number of men employed in the Royal Dockyards has increased by nearly 10,000, and that the number on the establishment has decreased by several hundreds?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes; I believe the information the hon. Gentleman has just stated to the House was given by me in answer to a question on Monday.