§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received a petition from the workmen employed at the Boat House, North Yard, Keyham, asking permission to use what 724 is known as St. John's Gate, situated a little beyond the naval barracks, in order to catch a train at Keyham Station, the present arrangement requiring them to use North Gate, which is sixteen minutes distance from their work and necessitates a long walk to the train at Dockyard Halt; and, if the petition has been received, when an answer may be expected?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have received a petition from dockyard employés in the sense indicated in the question. We have replied to it to the effect that the cost of providing the proposed new means of entrance to and exit from the yard would be greater than the circumstances would seem to justify under present conditions.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman say when that reply was sent?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes; if my memory serves me, it was sent in January.