§ Mr. CREANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that reductions have taken place in the staff of 2243 workmen employed at Haulbowline dockyard, and that, in consequence of the closing of the Passage Docks, the only shipbuilding works in the South of Ireland, the workmen dismissed from Haul-bowline have no chance of securing work in the district; and now that the extension works at Haulbowline have been completed, and will be formally opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland on Monday next, the 21st instant, will he utilise the facilities provided by sending sufficient work to keep the staff fully engaged?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo reduction in the staff of workmen employed at Haulbowline has taken place, with the exception of six deck hands of a dredger, discharged on 16th July on the completion of the dredging work and the departure of the dredger for Portland. The workmen engaged in the dock extension were employed by contractors, and were discharged in June last on the completion of the work. I understand that the date for the opening of the dock extension is the 31st instant, and not the 21st, as stated in the question.
§ Mr. CREANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman from what source he got his information? The local men suspected that it was given by some of the contractor's men. I have been informed that the majority——
Mr. SPEAKERThat may be so, but the hon. Member is not entitled to contradict it. He should accept the answer, or ask for further information.