HC Deb 05 May 1915 vol 71 cc1102-3
40. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the same conditions as to hours of work performed by the men as prevail in the Portsmouth dockyard equally prevail at Devonport and other Royal dockyards; and, if so, whether he can see his way to exempt the Royal dockyard boroughs from the further restrictions which the Government propose to impose in certain areas?

Mr. ACLAND

As stated in the White Paper on this subject, the statistics supplied in regard to the percentage of hours worked by Government employés in Portsmouth dockyard may be taken as typical of all Admiralty dockyards. As regards the second part of the question, I can only say that the question to which areas the provisions of the Defence of the Realm (Amendment—No. 3) Bill shall be applied will be the subject of the most careful consideration.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Can the hon. Gentleman say why the Chancellor of the Exchequer thought it necessary to make special mention of one Royal dockyard, seeing that he was careful not to mention any names when referring to the private yards?

Mr. ACLAND

The White Paper says quite clearly, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer said quite clearly, that Portsmouth may be taken as typical of all Admiralty dockyards, and it is really not necessary to give special mention of the hon. Member's constituency.