25. Colonel ALAN SYKESasked the' Secretary of State for War whether difficulties are being put in the way of munition workers enrolling in the Volunteers as the munition authorities are afraid that, should the Volunteers be mobilised, they will lose the services of such munition workers; and whether he can issue regulations to satisfy the apprehension of the munition authorities, making it clear that munition workers will not be mobilised, unless such an emergency arose as to necessitate the mobilisation of every available man in the country, including even munition workers?
§ Mr. FORSTERMunition workers are not the only category in regard to whom this point arises. A discussion between 1660 the various Departments concerned has taken place, and as a result a line of action which will safeguard the position of the workers concerned as regards possible withdrawal from their civil employment has been agreed upon. It is hoped that full particulars will be available very shortly, but various Departments have to be consulted.