HC Deb 04 January 1916 vol 77 cc799-800
20. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Minister of Munitions whether ho could state the results of his recent conferences at Glasgow and Newcastle; and what further alterations he suggests in the Amending Bill to the Munitions Act as a result?

Dr. ADDISON

My right hon. Friend's visits to Glasgow and Newcastle were undertaken with a view to explaining the necessity for the scheme for the dilution of skilled with unskilled labour promulgated by the Ministry of Munitions on the advice of the Central Munitions Labour Supply Committee. It is too soon to say what practical result has been achieved. The visits had no direct connection with the Amending Bill to the Munitions of War Act. The Government Amendments have already been circulated.

Mr. THOMAS

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why it is necessary to suppress the Report?

Dr. ADDISON

There is another question on the Order Paper on that subject.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is it due to the fact that the Minister of Munitions had a hostile reception at Glasgow that reports were suppressed?

Dr. ADDISON

My right hon. Friend went there because there was considerable misconception in the area and hostility arising out of it. He went in order to try to meet it.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Did he succeed in removing the misconception?

Dr. ADDISON

I hope so.