31. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the number of electricians and other workmen engaged on the Palace of Westminster who have 1200 been discharged since let January, 1926, and also the number of men under notice; and whether, in view of the many dilapidations, he will suspend the notices and press forward the work that requires to be done?
§ Captain HACKING (for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)The number of men discharged on completion of work at the Palace of Westminster since 1st January, 1926, is 36, and four are under notice. No funds are available this or next financial year to enable the Department to re-employ these men on other work at the Houses of Parliament.
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONAbout how many men are now employed?
§ Captain HACKINGI cannot give complete details, but the budding operatives number 125.