asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what extent the proposed reductions in civil staff will affect the manning of Sheerness Dockyard.

The only reduction of staff at present planned at Sheerness Dockyard will amount to approximately 130 industrials and 30 non-industrials in the Naval Store Department. The Naval Store supply services at present carried out at Sheerness will, under the re-organised arrangements, be carried out by Chatham Dockyard. As many as possible of the men affected will be offered alternative employment.