§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will explain what procedure is followed by the Admiralty in engaging workpeople in His Majesty's Dockyard at Devonport; and whether he will furnish a copy of the instructions upon this subject which have been drawn up by his Department?
Mr. J. C. C. DAVIDSONAll vacancies for workpeople are notified to the Employment Exchange, the authorities of which are acquainted with the Admiralty instructions, regarding preference being given to ex-service men and to men who have previously rendered satisfactory service under the Admiralty, and who comply with the requirements of the dockyard officers as far as possible. The dockyard officers are solely responsible that the men accepted for employment are suitable, and they retain full right to 655W accept or reject men who may be nominated by the Exchange, and also themselves to nominate any man whose services may be required. Full instructions in the matter are not compiled in any one document, but the procedure as stated above is in accordance with the instructions.
§ Sir G. STRICKLANDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the arrangements approved under the last administration to abate the restriction against dockyard employés standing for Parliament will also be applied to Imperial dockyards outside England; and when and to what extent this may have effect in each Dependency?
Mr. DAVIDSONI have been asked to reply. The Admiralty are not aware of any such change of the Regulations as is suggested in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the whole question is under consideration in connection with the recent report of Lord Blanesburgh's Committee.