HC Deb 03 August 1916 vol 85 cc472-3
32. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the workers in a controlled factory partially engaged in the manufacture of munitions come, in all cases, under the provisions of Section 7 of the Munitions of War Act, and are thus all debarred from leaving their employment without the permission of their employer or a munition tribunal, or whether Section 7 only applies to those of the workbrs who are actually engaged in the manufacture of munitions?

Dr. ADDISON

The provisions of Section 7 of the Munitions of War Act as to leaving certificates apply only to persons who are engaged on or in connection with munitions work and are engaged in an establishment to which the Section has been applied by order of the Minister of Munitions. Both these conditions must be fulfilled, so that persons engaged on private work are not subject to the provisions of Section 7, even though employed in a controlled establishment or other establishment to which the provisions of Section 7 have been applied by Order of the Minister of Munitions.

Mr. ANDERSON

Seeing that that very important fact is not known to large numbers of workpeople and to even a considerable number of employers, can the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make it more generally known?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, we will do so.

33. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will take steps to see that the provisions of Order 447 shall be fixed at the entrance of every factory to which the provisions of that Order have been applied, and in such other parts thereof as he may from time to time direct, and be constantly so kept fixed in such position as to be easily read by the persons employed in the factory or workshop?

Dr. ADDISON

I propose to issue as soon as possible a circular to the establishments in question giving effect to the suggestion of my hon. Friend.