HC Deb 27 November 1928 vol 223 c238
76. Mr. KELLY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of civilians employed by the Admiralty at Singapore in September and October, 1928?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The number of civilian workpeople employed by the Admiralty at Singapore on 1st October was 784.

Mr. KELLY

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to state whether any of these persons have gone out of this country under agreement?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I cannot say. I will inquire further if the hon. Gentleman wants to know.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that in filling these posts opportunities are offered to displaced dockyard workers in this country?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

If it is possible to do so in that connection, I shall, of course, consider dockyardmen, but I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman's question covers those who are employed by a contractor or those employed by my Department.

Mr. KELLY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my question deals with dockyardmen employed at the ports?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I was not aware whether the hon. Gentleman the Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha) was referring to them.