§ 58. Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the management of the Arsenal are transferring men from the metal case department on the plea of lack of work, while private firms are employed at the same class of work for the Admiralty at rates of pay as high or higher than that paid at the Arsenal; and, if so, can he see that the Admiralty work is given on a basis of a more liberal allowance to Government workshops?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI would suggest that the first part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. In regard to the second part of the question I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich on the 9th instant.
§ Mr. BARNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lack of work in the Arsenal is owing to the fact that the Admiralty are putting the work out to be done?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo; on every occasion most careful consideration is given to all cases, as I stated the other day.
§ Mr. BARNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the circumstances 1699 arising out of this particular allocation of work is that quite a large number of men are transferred to the lower grades?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo.