§ Mr. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that on Saturday last, at the Unicorn Gate of the Muster House, Portsmouth, 1,200 men were passing through one narrow door, and that from the moment of joining the line to the 1561W moment of reaching the Muster House the time taken by many was from four to four and a quarter minutes; and, seeing that the men have to pass through these doors four times a day, and during the time of waiting are exposed to the weather, whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to improve the passage at the place indicated?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am aware that 1,200 men have to pass through each of three doors and that 1,000 men have to pass through each of four other doors, about 7,600 men through seven doors, in mustering at the muster station referred to. The time taken by any individual workman in passing through the station is usually much less than the time stated in the question, which, it is observed, is less than one-half the time stated in the hon. Member's question on the same subject on the 7th instant. It is not considered necessary or desirable that the passages should be enlarged, as the workmen would then be able to enter at a greater rate than they could deposit their tickets.
§ Mr. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the reasons why, when the old hexagonal Muster House, Unicorn Gate, Portsmouth, was pulled down, a new place differing entirely from the old was provided?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe plan of the new muster station was made oblong instead of octagonal, because the former was considered the more convenient, and could be more easily extended if necessary.