HC Deb 21 December 1915 vol 77 cc182-3
35. Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether about eighty men employed in the carriage department of Woolwich Arsenal have been informed that in all probability their employment will terminate on the 24th instant, and that it is expected that many more may receive a similar intimation on or before that date; is he aware that for several days extra advertisements for men have appeared in the Press; and whether he can state the reason for the prospective dismissal of these workmen?

Dr. ADDISON

It is correct that about eighty men in the carriage department have been given notice that their services will not be required in that department after the 24th December, as the class of work on which they were engaged is now much reduced. It is not expected that many more will receive a similar intimation on or before that date. Steps have been taken with the Labour Exchange to-obtain work for the men elsewhere, and with the exception of a few men going back to Ireland, work has been offered to the men in the neighbourhood, sixty-one of these being in the Royal Laboratory. In some cases men will have their choice of two employers.

Mr. CROOKS

Does the Department give men notice to leave on the eve of a holiday in order to save the holiday pay?

Mr. THOMAS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why these eighty men could not be used to make up the shortage of 300,000 mentioned by the Minister of Munitions yesterday, instead of dismissing them?

Dr. ADDISON

I would point out to ray hon. Friend that sixty-one of these men have already been engaged in the Royal Laboratory. That only leaves nineteen. For these nineteen employment on munitions is already in sight.

Mr. THOMAS

Cannot the hon. Gentleman see that the fact that they are dismiss- ing men is not conducive to persuading other men that the Government is short of employés?

Dr. ADDISON

I do not think my hon. Friend has put the matter quite fairly. This particular work was coming to an end, therefore it was fair to notify the men of the fact.

Mr. THOMAS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that yesterday we were assured that 300,000 men were wanted?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes.

Mr. SPEAKER

This is in the nature of a debate.