HC Deb 19 July 1915 vol 73 cc1177-8
80. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked whether Messrs. Gunning and Sons have twelve soldiers working for them on Vickers' Extension at Crayford; whether within the last three weeks they have discharged eleven civilian carpenters; and have any of the other building firms engaged on these works any soldiers in their employ?

Mr. FORSTER

I am informed that in the course of the last three weeks Messrs. Gunning and Sons have discharged eleven civilian carpenters on the ground of incompetence. I hear to-day that the Royal Engineers who were sent to work on these factories have been ordered to return to Ireland for military duty. I am not sure whether the soldiers referred to by my hon. Friend were Royal Engineers or soldiers released from military duty, but I am making further inquiries on the subject.

Mr. ROWLANDS

I hope my hon. Friend will see whether there is not labour there which can be employed on these works.