HC Deb 13 July 1916 vol 84 cc516-7
19. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Minister of Munitions whether during the last month a number of joiners over military age have been discharged from a munition works in Nottinghamshire; whether Mr. F. Waterson, recently discharged from the Royal Engineers as unfit for further war service, was also discharged, while at the same time single and married men of military age have been retained; whether two young men of military age were recently started as joiners who are by trade butchers; and will he give the reasons why men over military age are not given the preference, especially those who have served their country?

Dr. ADDISON

I am causing inquiries to be made into the points raised in the hon. Member's question, and will inform him of the result.

Mr. T. WILSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to other Departments with regard to discharging men under the circumstances suggested in the question?

Dr. ADDISON

I do not know yet what the circumstances are, so that I do not know what the instructions will be.