HC Deb 01 April 1909 vol 3 cc609-10W
Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of labourers are being discharged from Deptford Victualling Yard, although, owing to the increase of work at this yard through the extra demands for stores owing to recent changes in victualling the fleets, the present staff of labourers em- ployed are unable to satisfactorily cope with the work; and, if so, what action he proposes to-take?

Mr. McKENNA

Additional men are entered in the early winter for seasonal work and are discharged when it is over; this is the reason for the discharges to which the hon. Member refers. The employment of labourers is regulated according to the work required to be done.