HC Deb 30 April 1908 vol 187 cc1387-8
MR. EVELYN CECIL (Aston Manor)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the hardship entailed upon workmen at Messrs. Kynochs by the withdrawal of Government orders, he can see his way to give fresh employment to those who have lost it through no fault of their own, or assist them to obtain it.

MR. HALDANE

The hon. Member is apparently advocating a general principle that when a firm has supplied good's which are not according to specification and further orders for similar goods have been withdrawn, the Government is bound to find employment for the workpeople who may be thrown out of work by the withdrawal of those orders. I fear we have only too great difficulty in finding regular employment in our own factories to be able to consider such a proposition.

*MR. JAMES HOPE (Sheffield, Central)

asked if the right hon. Gentleman would give equal consideration to the case of the workmen lately employed on armour-plating and gun shields.

MR. HALDANE

That is part of the general question.

MR. BELLAIRS

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in order to enable Messrs. Kynoch and Co. to be employed again, follow the precedent set in the case of Cammell, Laird and Co., and cause the chairman and responsible directors to resign and then again employ the company?

MR. HALDANE

I do not think that arises out of the Question.