HC Deb 11 May 1915 vol 71 c1469
47. Mr. THEODORE TAYLOR

asked the Prime Minister whether there has been or is being prepared a scheme (in accordance with the intention expressed by the Secretary of State for War), under which workmen of armament firms coming under Government control shall have a share in the profits of those firms; and, if so, when the scheme will be brought into operation?

56. Mr. JAMES HOPE

asked what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Ministers, in pursuance of the statement of the Secretary of State for War, in reference to the sharing of War profits among employés of armament and other firms?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to these questions. I am unable to make any further statement on this subject.

Mr. PETO

Does that mean that the Government do not propose to do anything whatever in this matter; and is there no meaning to be attached to the statement of the Secretary of State for War in another place?

Mr. TAYLOR

Is there nothing going on in the way of arrangements with a view to carrying out what the Secretary of State for War said in another place?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The matter has had a good deal of consideration. It is not a matter in which the Secretary of State for War is able to dictate to private firms.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

Did the Secretary of State for War make the statement in another place with the authority of his colleagues?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Are we to understand that the opposition comes from these private, firms, and that they have refused to allow their workers to share in these profits?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir; my hon. Friend is not to understand that from my reply.

Mr. PETO

In view of the very unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the question on the Motion for the Adjournment.