§ 84. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Minister of Munitions if a number of discharged soldiers have recently been employed at the National Shell-Filling Factory in Middlesex as labourers; if so, what rate of wages was paid to them; if these men have been dismissed; if women have been put in their places; if so, what rate of wages is paid to the women; and if it is known what has become of the men who have been dismissed?
§ Dr. ADDISONA certain number of discharged soldiers are employed at the factory to which my hon. Friend refers. It is, of course, necessary from time to time to dismiss men as unsuitable; so far as is known of the men who have been dismissed lately, three appear to be discharged soldiers. These men received 8d. an hour. A certain number of women are employed on lighter kinds of labourers' work, and receive an average wage of 28s. per week. I cannot say whether any of these women are doing any work formerly done by the three men in question, 1193 but I will inquire. I have no information as to the point raised in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre we to understand that it is not the fact that these wounded soldiers have been discharged and their places taken by women?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs far as I know they are not wounded. They are discharged soldiers, but whether wounded or not is not quite clear. Women are doing the work which these men previously did.