HC Deb 10 May 1927 vol 206 c212
54 and 55. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what steps have been taken in his Department, in conjunction with the Admiralty or elsewhere, to find employment for the 600 men recently discharged from His Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport;

(2) whether his Department was notified before 600 men were discharged from His Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport; and whether any arrangements were made with his Department to place the men so discharged in other employment?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Local officers of the Department were notified that these discharges were imminent, and by arrangement with the dockyard authorities, half the men were registered at Plymouth and half at Devonport. 470 men were so registered and of that number approximately 60 have been placed in other employment. The Employment Exchange officers will, of course, continue their efforts on behalf of the remainder.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered with the Admiralty the possibility of making some special provision in this area instead of the Admiralty discharging so many men which will only increase unemployment?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will consider that.