§ 78. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that during the last year men of long service and good character have been dismissed from the Royal dockyards on reduction; whether it is still the practice of the Admiralty, when a discharge becomes necessary, to begin with the men having the shortest service; and, if a change in policy has been made in this respect, will he say when and why such a change was introduced?
Mr. LAMBERT (Civil Lord of the Admiralty)As the hon. Member is aware, when reduction is necessary the general practice is to select the least efficient men for discharge.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question I have put to him?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that for some time past men of long service and good character have been dismissed on reductions in the Royal dockyards?
Mr. LAMBERTI do not think I can add anything to the answer. When a reduction is necessary the practice is to select the least efficient men for discharge.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIf I bring evidence to show that men of long service and who are efficient have been dismissed, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?
Mr. LAMBERTIf the hon. Member will bring before the Admiralty any cases of unfairness, we shall be glad to investigate them.