asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) if he will state the nature of the new proposals he has made concerning short time at the Woolwich Arsenal; and what is the estimate of the savings which will be effected by such proposals;

(2) if he will state the estimated saving which will be effected by the Government decision officially announced this week at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock, to abolish piece-work at the end of this month; and what it is estimated will be the reduction in earnings of the men concerned?

I have nothing to add to the information which I gave to the House last night during the Debate on Army Estimates.

Is not the hon. Gentleman ready to state to the House now, owing to the considerable anxiety which is being caused in both these areas, when he will be able to make a definite statement on the matter?

The negotiations are not quite complete. I expect to meet the representatives of the workpeople this week, and I hope to be able to give an answer very shortly.