§ 43. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that married men with children are being discharged from Woolwich Arsenal for military service, while single men and some recently married are being kept in employment there; whether all these men are engaged on the same semi-skilled work; and will he at once see that there shall not be this exceptional treatment?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave my right hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich on 29th March. If my hon. Friend will give me details of any particular cases where unfair treatment is alleged I will have inquiries made.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSI am not aware of the answers given in March, and I should like to ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is taking precautions to see that the married men are not being called upon before the single men. If he wishes information I should be pleased to supply him with the same.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThis question was raised in the House recently in connection with another Government establishment, and most careful steps have been taken to see that the principles therein laid down shall be carried out, namely, that where other things are equal the single men shall be taken in preference to the married men.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWhat are the things that are understood to be equal? Is it personal influence or skill?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYSkill.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSI refer to the fact that the men are working on the same semi-skilled work and not skilled work.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI undertake that if the hon. Member will give me any specific instances they shall be inquired into.