83. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that Mr. W. Saint, builder, of Cambridge, whose business is a controlled one, recently discharged ten carpenters, nine of whom are over military age and the other one medically unfit for military service; that he has put women to do the work the men were doing; whether he will make inquiries why these men were discharged; and what are the wages paid to the women who have taken their places?
§ Dr. ADDISONI understand that the firm in question have recently discharged a number of carpenters partly owing to the fact that carpenters' work on an aerodrome in the vicinity came to a close and partly because a contract for ammunition boxes which they were making was nearing completion. Women were already in the firm's employment at the time. The rate of wages paid to the women is the subject of further investigation. If they are not doing so already, the firm will be required to observe the rates required by the Ministry.
Mr. WILSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is taking place everywhere—that men are being discharged and women taken on to do their work?
§ Dr. ADDISONI was not aware of that. There is plenty of work for men.