§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a notice issued at Woolwich Arsenal on or about 18th March stating that, under order of the Master-General of Ordnance, with the exception of seventeen men, no more transfers from the torpedo factory were to take place this financial year, and that all previous approvals were cancelled; whether he is aware that some time previously to last March in the case of a number of men transfers to other departments in the Arsenal had been arranged, but that in some instances such transfers were at the moment not carried into effect on account of certain work of a skilled nature that was required before the closing down of the torpedo factory; and, seeing that these men so retained to suit the temporary convenience of the authorities have now lost their chance of transfer and are under notice of dismissal, will he state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Colonel SEELYThe men referred to have not lost their chance of transfer or re-engagement, but until work is available for them in other departments it is not possible to give them employment. Such discharge does not in any way interfere with the reckoning of previous service when re-engaged provided gratuity has not been paid.