HC Deb 09 January 1913 vol 46 cc1382-3
103. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the discharges now taking place in the works department of the Royal Dockyard, Devonport; that eight men have had notice of discharge with over seven years' service and two men with over fourteen years' service, while eighty with under seven years' service have received notice of discharge; whether he will make some arrangement so that men with long servitude shall not be liable to discharge except under very special circumstances; will he undertake that it be an instruction to the director of works that men of long servitude, if discharged, have the first choice of any new work that may be going; and is it possible to avoid discharging men with long service by transferring them to another department of the yard?

The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Lambert)

These discharges are rendered necessary by the completion of works in hand. Every consideration is given to length of service in regard both to the matter of retention of workmen and to their employment when fresh work is available. Further, every effort is made before any discharges take place to transfer suitable men to other departments in the dockyard.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to understand that a man who has had fourteen years' service is not a suitable man?

Mr. LAMBERT

When the hon. Gentleman reads my reply, he will see that I have fully covered the question

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

You have not at all.

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