Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that 40 men were 2509W discharged from the Royal Mint a few weeks ago and that 66 further discharges are to take place on 28th Match; whether it is proposed to dispense with the remainder of the temporary employes, numbering nearly 100; whether he is aware of any falling off in the volume of the work in sight; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter with a view to suspending any further discharges and, if possible, restarting those already discharged?
Mr. GUINNESSThe number of temporary employés engaged at the Royal Mint from, time to time depends on the volume of work in hand and anticipated. The orders placed with the Mint have shown a decline in the current year, and it has accordingly been necessary to discharge 37 members of the temporary staff as from the end of January, 27 (not 65) others being under notice which expires at the end of the present month. In the absence of additional orders I regret I am unable to suspend these notices, but it is hoped that no further reduction will be necessary before the autumn.