§ 28. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that one of the officials from the Munitions Department called upon the general foreman on the building in the course of construction for the Theosophical Society, Russell Square, with a view to persuading him to get the works shut down and to compel the labourers to proceed to Scotland to work 17 on munition work at the rate of 6d. per hour; if he is aware that such a proposal is contrary to clauses contained in the Treasury agreement arrived at between the Minister of Munitions and the various trade unions; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think my lion. Friend has been misinformed as to the facts of the case. In view of the grave shortage of building labour the Ministry of Munitions, after careful consideration, have stopped work on this building, which cannot be regarded as being urgently required in the national interest. A list of the men employed on the work, with their trades, was obtained with a view to offering them suitable employment on work of national importance, but no suggestion was made that they should be removed to Scotland, or that they should receive any particular rate of wages.
§ Mr. THORNEHas any kind of employment been found for the men who have been stopped—employment suitable to their trade and calling?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am inquiring into that matter. But we were assured in advance that there was plenty of work for the men who had to go, and that was the reason for closing down the works.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes that mean that in the case of particular works being closed down the men have to go about and seek for employment?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo; we make special arrangements in every one of these cases to find employment for the men before the works are closed down.
§ Mr. THORNEAnd does it mean that in the event of the men being transferred from one district to another they will get full rates of wages, plus subsistence allowance?
§ Dr. ADDISONI must ask for notice of that. It depends on where they go.