§ 51. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the terms of, and the reasons for, the recent Admiralty Fleet Order regarding the change in the term of notice which is henceforth to be given to dockyard workmen discharged on reduction?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe terms of the Order were that the practice of giving two weeks notice to workmen discharged on reduction, which was adopted when heavy discharges had to be made at the end of the War, is now to cease, and that in future a week's notice is to be given in accordance with the dockyard regulations. The reason for the Order was that the special circumstances which warranted the departure from the 412 ordinary practice, in accordance with the regulations, no longer exist.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHADoes the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that this change is a most inhuman one when the great amount of unemployment in Devonport is taken into account, as well as the impossibility of these men finding alternative employment?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI cannot say that I do consider it is inhuman. I think that in the circumstances it is a perfectly natural and sensible decision.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWas it dictated by reasons of economy, or by any other reason?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMIt was because it was considered that the special circumstances which existed immediately after the War, when there were so many discharges, no longer existed.