70. Captain BATHURSTasked the Minister of Munitions how it is proposed to provide fresh employment or the means of maintenance for the large number of tinplate workers in South Wales, Monmouthshire, and Gloucestershire who will be thrown out of employment by his decision to limit the output of all British tinplate works to tinplates required for Government purposes only.
§ Dr. ADDISONIn view of the large and unsatisfied demand for labour in connection with the production of munitions it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in providing employment for such numbers of the tinplate workers in South Wales, Monmouthshire, and Gloucestershire as may be thrown out of employment by the limit imposed upon the output of British tinplate works. Any men who may become unemployed as a result of this limitation should at once report themselves to the nearest Labour Exchange, where, by arrangement with the Ministry of Munitions, full particulars of vacancies in munitions works are available.
Captain BATHURSTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this limitation of output is likely to continue for the rest of the War?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not know about the rest of the War, but it will continue for some considerable time.
Mr. CHANCELLORWill the manufacturers of tin biscuit boxes and articles of that kind be able to get any material?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt will only limit a certain percentage of the production of tin-plate.
Captain BATHURSTThat is not the impression amongst manufacturers. Can the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage that is?
§ Dr. ADDISONI would rather not give any further details at present.