§ Sir R. GOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any and, if so, what arrangements have been made by his Department to find alternative work for the 119 workmen discharged from His Majesty's Royal dockyard at Chatham during the past two weeks, and for the 180 further workmen who it is anticipated will be discharged during the next month?
Mr. ALEXANDERNo alternative work is available for the men in question. These men are casual entrants who were engaged for certain urgent items1194W of work on the definite understanding that they would be discharged on the completion of those items.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of suspending the discharge of 180 workmen who it is anticipated will be discharged from His Majesty's naval dockyard at Chatham during the next month until such time as alternative work has been found for such men?
Mr. ALEXANDERI regret that the discharge of the men in question cannot be suspended. They are casual entrants who were specifically engaged for certain urgent items of work on the definite understanding that they would be discharged on the completion of the work.