114. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that the military representative in the Liverpool district is calling up at very short notice, in many cases less than twenty-four hours, workmen engaged on ship-repairing work; and whether, in view of the urgent nature of this class of work and the shortage of workmen in this industry, he will instruct that officer to cease calling these men up until he is satisfied that their services are not necessary?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am sorry that I am not yet in a position to answer this question, but I will send an answer to my hon. Friend as soon as I have the necessary information.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs it not an illegal thing to call up these men at less than fourteen days' notice?
Mr. WILSONWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a great shortage of men engaged on ship-repairing work?