§ 25. Mr. THOMASasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the Great Northern Railway Company locked out from 24th December to 3rd January several thousand men employed at their Doncaster works; that many of these skilled men could have obtained work elsewhere but for the fact that the company refused to give them their cards; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am informed that the period referred to in the question was that of the Christmas holiday of the establishment in question. I am further informed that the company did not refuse their insurance cards to the workmen. I may add that under Clause 5 of the Munitions (Amendment) Bill, workmen, under the circumstances stated, would be entitled as of right to leaving certificates in the future. I do not think it would be possible to take any action in regard to the past.