§ COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the chargemen and workmen at the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham have to strip and hang up their clothes together, and thus render it possible for a man coming in on a later shift to plant a match in some person's pocket, either for spite, or in order to get rid of an incriminating match brought in by accident; whether he will take steps to prevent the occurrence of such a thing in future by providing each man with a locker or chest with a padlock attached; and whether he will consider the possibility of making some compensation to persons discharged through mistakes of this kind by finding them employment in a Government factory where their services would count, or by the gratuity usually given to discharged persons on reduction of staff.
LORD STANLEYAs men are not searched for matches when going out, it is not apparent what object would be gained by the transfer of matches suggested. The provision of chests would necessitate a considerable increase in the size of the shifting rooms which I am not prepared to undertake. Men discharged for coming to work in danger areas with matches are not blacklisted, so that there is nothing to prevent their obtaining suitable employment elsewhere, but I cannot consent to find employment for persons discharged for a breach of the regulations.
§ COLONEL LOCKWOODWill the noble Lord give me an interview on this matter?