§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that during the last two weeks overtime has been worked each night at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, in the wharf section, Army Ordnance Department; that on Friday, 24th March, between 50 and 60 men worked all night; and that there are some thousands of men out of employment in Woolwich; if he can see his way clear to prevent overtime being worked, with a view of finding work for those who are out of employment; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe overtime in question was necessarily worked in order to avoid heavy charges for demurrage on certain vessels which arrived at short notice, mostly from Ireland. It was not practicable to take on fresh hands, as it was essential to employ men available on the spot and accustomed to such work. The circumstances were quite abnormal; the records of the Department show that the amount of overtime ordinarily worked under present conditions is negligible.