HC Deb 06 May 1915 vol 71 c1246
20. Mr. HOGGE

asked what action was taken on the receipt of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe's letter of 26th March, in which he stated that the efficiency of the Fleet was endangered by the labour situation?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Reports on output naturally receive close consideration, and one result of this and other communications is the Bill to which the House will to-day be asked to give a Second Reading.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question as to whether the Admiralty at once took action upon Sir John Jellicoe's letter; and could he, at the same time, say whether the labour situation applied entirely or specifically to the strike on the Clyde or to the conditions which attached to what we call the drink problem?

Dr. MACNAMARA

As far as I can remember, the strike on the Clyde could not possibly have had anything to do with Admiral Jellicoe's letter, which was dated 26th March, and, if my memory serves me, the strike was over long before that.

Mr. HOGGE

Was it the drink question?

Dr. MACNAMARA

We have taken steps, and one of them is the Bill the Second Reading of which we are asking for to-day.

Sir G. YOUNGER

Is it not a fact that Admiral Sir John Jellicoe knew nothing about the drinking?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I could not say.