9. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War approximately the number of soldiers who have been temporarily released from Army service for employment in industrial work?
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not think that I can, without detriment to the public interest, state, even approximately, the 1334 number of soldiers who have been temporarily released from Army service for employment in industrial work.
§ 19. Mr. CLYNESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the reasons why soldiers are employed at Morecambe on factory building; what wages these men are paid; whether he is aware of statements by officials of building trades unions that other labour is available; and that the proceeding named is viewed by workmen as a form of industrial compulsion?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)Soldiers are only allowed to be employed on such work on the understanding that civilian labour is not available. I will make inquiry as to the facts in this case. Soldiers so employed receive the proper rate of working pay allowed under the Regulations.
§ Mr. SUTTONIs my hon. Friend aware that the soldiers are only receiving 4d. per day?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir. They receive 1s. a day, and this is additional. It varies.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs the pay the same as the trade union rate in the district?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think to arrive at that you will have to add the value of the separation allowance.