HC Deb 12 February 1930 vol 235 cc399-400
29. Captain W. G. HALL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the estimated saving likely to accrue, as a result of the decision to close the Royal Dockyard, Portsmouth, for the week's holiday with pay recently granted, as compared with the cost of allowing the personnel to take the week as and when convenient to all concerned?

Mr. G. HALL

It is not practicable to give a reliable estimate of the saving likely to accrue by adopting one scheme in preference to the other, but it is obvious that by closing for a week there will be considerable savings due to the reduction of standing charges for power, lighting, transport, etc. The interference with work consequent on a considerable number of men being absent at varying times will also be avoided.

Captain W. G. HALL

Surely the hon. Member can give us some figure? I understand that the dockyard is to be closed for a week because it is going to save money. Surely the Admiralty have some figures to go upon?

Mr. G. HALL

This is a new concession. It is the first time for the dockyard to be closed for a week, and it is impossible to give any definite figure until the experiment has been tried.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The hon. Gentleman is closing the dockyard for a week on the ground of economy. Surely he can tell as what that economy is going to be, because he will have to justify this treatment of the dockyard in a manner different from that of any other Civil Service Department?

Mr. G. HALL

I think the statement that I have made is quite obvious.

Mr. MOND

Will the hon. Member say why it is impossible for the Admiralty to make this calculation? Any business undertaking in taking this course would make the necessary calculations as a matter of course.

Mr. G. HALL

I have nothing to add to the reply that I have given.