30. Mr. LLEWELYN WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the Friendly Society of Iron Founders had 220 of its members unemployed at the beginning of February and in receipt of weekly sums varying from 10s. to 17s. 6d. from the society, and that moulders who have joined the Army are employed in munition works at Llanelly and elsewhere, the Government paying, in addition to their wages, separation allowances to their wives; and whether, having regard to the need for national economy and the maintenance of our military strength, he will take steps to send back the soldier-moulders at Llanelly and elsewhere to their military duties, and replace them by the moulders who are now unemployed?
§ Dr. ADDISONI must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on the 13th December last, in which I pointed out that the work of moulders is specialised to a very high degree. In spite of the facts quoted by my hon. Friend there is at the present time an unsatisfied demand for upwards of 400 moulders of different grades, although the vacancies have been circulated to every Labour Exchange in the country. Any of the unemployed men referred to in the question who are in fact capable of filling these vacancies and willing to do so can at once be placed in employment in them. In the circumstances it would clearly be undesirable to take the action suggested in the question.