§ Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement concerning the future of the. Woolwich Dockyard; what steps, if any, are being taken to make the same available for private firms; and whether any arrangements have now been made?
§ Mr. LAWSONA temporary letting of a small portion of the Dockyard to one firm has been authorised, and the Department is in communication with another applicant with a view to arranging similar facilities if possible. Otherwise I am not at present in a position to add anything to my reply of 4th June last.
§ Mr. STRANGERasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that men are being transferred from Woolwich to the Government explosive factory at Bramley, on the borders of Hampshire and Berkshire, and that their transfer is calculated to throw out of employment ex-service men living in those counties; and whether, in view of the serious unemployment now existing in those counties, steps will be taken to prevent any further transfer of men from Woolwich to Bramley?
§ Mr. LAWSONI assume the Hon. Member is referring to the possibility of the transfer of some of the personnel from the Army Ordnance Depot at Woolwich Dockyard. No such transfers have yet taken place, but the question of the effect of the closing of Woolwich Dockyard on the staff concerned is being examined at present, and while the matter is still under consideration, I can give no undertaking regarding it.