HC Deb 08 July 1915 vol 73 cc520-1
18. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether the names of men not now working at their trades but who are wishful for the purpose of assisting in making munitions of returning to their trade are being enrolled at the Munitions Bureaux?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

All skilled workmen in the engineering, shipbuilding and allied trades who are in employment are eligible for enrolment as war munitions volunteers. It is not necessary that the man should at the time of enrolment be employed in the particular occupation in respect of which he offers his services, provided he is skilled at that occupation.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some cases which have come to my knowledge men who are skilled and are not working at present in their particular trades have been refused enrolment because of that fact?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I hope there are not many cases of that kind. That is certainly not the intention. I have an illustration here of a fitter who was managing a newspaper shop. He was put on as a volunteer. That is our intention.

Mr. PRINGLE

Could not instructions be given to that effect generally?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

If I thought there were many cases of that kind it would be worth while doing it, undoubtedly.

Sir W. BYLES

What steps is a competent mechanic now on active service to take who desires to come back to munitions work?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The arrangement with the War Office up to the present does not extend to those who are on active service. First of all we will take back men who have recently joined, and not those either at the front or who are on the point of going to the front.

Sir W. BYLES

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a man who has been six or eight months in the trenches thinks the fairest way would be to take him first?