§ 31. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Committee to accelerate the production of munitions of war have or will take steps to ascertain what skilled labour is obtainable from any of our Colonies or from the United States of America to make up the shortage in the armament firms; and whether the Government will give men who express their willingness to come over free return tickets for the purpose?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Acland)I have been asked to answer on behalf of my right hon. Friend. His Majesty's Government are 551 in communication with Dominion Governments on the subject of the importation of suitable labour from the Dominions to assist in the production of munitions of war. If the result of these communications is to discover a supply of such labour, suitable arrangements will be made as to transport.
§ Sir RICHARD COOPERIs it not the fact that there is a great deal of machinery in those countries which cannot be brought over, and, in the circumstances, would it not be wise to employ the men in their proper countries?
§ Mr. ACLANDI think that, where labour is employed on machinery in those countries, there would be no question whatever of displacing them. We are anxious to get as great supplies from the Dominions as we can.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that in some of the Dominions and in the United Slates there is machinery which is not now employed on munitions of war, and which could be employed if the hon. Gentleman requires goods from those countries?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am aware that vast contracts are being carried out in the Dominions and elsewhere, but if the hon. Gentleman can give me any information which he thinks useful, I shall be very glad to receive it.