§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the speeding-up methods being resorted to at the Royal Naval Ordnance Department, Lodge Hill, near Chatham, whereby the men are being compelled to complete 25 per cent. more work in making 13.5 cartridges than is recognised as a day's work; whether he is aware that a man has resigned his employment rather than submit to this hustling; whether he is aware that explosion involving loss of life is being risked; and whether he will cause a strict inquiry to be made into the action of the foreman of the laboratory who is responsible for the change?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have made inquiry, and I find that it was considered2674W that the output had not been that which could reasonably be expected. It is quite true that one skilled labourer has left of his own accord. But I do not think the charge of hustling can be maintained, and certainly it is not our wish that the men should be unduly pressed. Of course, the officers are fully alive to the necessity for care in all operations connected with explosives.