§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether there is any immediate anxiety to erect extensive naval works at Lioness, Longhope, Orkney, in view of the fact that we are spending over one million of money a week in paying people for doing nothing; if he will consider whether some of that labour could be expended on works which are not of immediate necessity; and if, in view of the fact that actually the Admiralty is paralysing all farm work in Orkney, he will give the matter his further consideration?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is necessary to complete these works as soon as possible. Efforts have already been made to import labour, but owing to the isolated position of the works and the insufficiency of housing accommodation it has been exceedingly difficult to induce men to remain. Consequently it has been, and still is, necessary to employ local labour.