§ 15 and 16. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many officers and men of Port Operating Section, Royal Engineers, were employed in the recent dock strike;
(2) how many officers and men of Port Operating Units stationed in England were employed in the recent dock strike.
§ Mr. ShinwellIt is not the practice to give information of the kind asked for in these Questions.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltWhile respecting the right hon. Gentleman's desire to maintain security, may I ask is it not a fact that these units were not in any way employed during the recent strike, and would it not have been an ideal opportunity for testing their efficiency, which is the sole purpose of their existence?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe have not any doubt about their efficiency, but it is undesirable to give the numbers of men operating in a particular area.