§ Mr. GEORGE TERRELLI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he is aware that men employed by private firms are being induced by the authorities at Woolwich Arsenal by promise of higher pay to leave their present employment and that urgent Government contracts are being thereby delayed, and whether he will give directions that no men are to be taken on until inquiries are made of their former employers as to the class of work upon which they are engaged?
§ Mr. TENNANTAn Order in Council under the Defence of the Realm Regulations was made on the 29th April prohihibiting the canvassing of workmen already engaged upon Government contracts with a view to their leaving their existing employment. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the Order in Council. The necessary administrative steps are being taken to give effect to its provisions.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question? Will he give instructions for inquiries to be made of former employers before men are taken on?
§ Mr. TENNANTThat is a part of the procedure under the Defence of the Realm Act.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLAre inquiries made of former employers before men are engaged at Woolwich Arsenal?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, Sir, I think that is done.