§ 15. Mr. CLIMIEasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the necessity of preventing dismissals among workers employed in the Works Department at Routh, it is the intention of the Department to build suitable houses for officers and members of the staff employed in Rosyth by direct labour instead of letting out to contract houses, plans and foundations of which are already well advanced?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Ammon)One residence only for a principal officer of Rosyth Dockyard is under construction, 493 the preparation of site and foundations, drainage, etc., for which are being carried out by departmental labour. A contract is being let for the construction of the superstructure, as a sufficiency of suitable labour in the principal trades concerned is not available from men already employed in the dockyard. The execution of the structure by departmental labour would not materially affect the number or dismissals likely to be necessary.
§ Major COLFOXCan the hon. Gentleman say what proportion of ex-service labour is employed?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice should be given of that question.