§ 69. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that there are many complaints in the engineering shops in the different parts of the country in consequence of many Belgians of military age working whilst at the same time a good number of both married and single Britishers have joined the Army; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)Certain complaints of the-character mentioned in the question have been brought to my right hon. Friend's notice. Active steps are being taken by the Belgian Government, in conjunction with the British Government Departments concerned, to secure that single workmen who are not engaged in skilled work in munitions factories and are covered by Belgian military law should be called to the Colours. I understand that the case of married Belgians is under special consideration. My hon. Friend is aware that in munition factories there are many skilled British workmen of military age who, in the interests of the supply of munitions, cannot be allowed to join the Army.