HC Deb 21 November 1951 vol 494 cc56-7W
104. Sir J. Lucas

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what arrangements have been made to continue the employment of out-workers at the Royal Marines Tailoring Organisation at Eastney Barracks; and what arrangements are being made for housing workers who have been offered employment at Chatham.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

The general employment of women out-workers who have been doing part-time tailoring work for the Royal Marines at Portsmouth and Plymouth will cease in December, when the decision to centralise the work at Chatham comes into effect. It is, however, hoped to be able to provide some work for a few of these out-workers who have been employed on this work for a long time and who, because of physical disability or other exceptional domestic handicaps, have no prospect of alternative employment of any sort.

It is assumed that the second part of the Question refers to the whole-time civilian male employees who have up till now been employed at Portsmouth in connection with this work. I understand that only one of these employees wishes to transfer to Chatham, and that he intends to return to Portsmouth on his retirement in April next. He will be entitled to lodging allowance whilst at Chatham.