§ 9. Colonel NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary to the Munitions Department if he is aware, in view of the shortage of hands in connection with munitions work generally, that a number of men are 1788 at present employed throughout the country on various municipal and other public works, painting of houses, and other work which is not of an urgent character; and whether any action has been taken with a view to following the example set by France of stopping all unnecessary work throughout the country?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)Steps are being taken to close down unnecessary building work employing men of a type required for Government work elsewhere. The enrolment as War Munition Volunteers of skilled workmen in the principal classes of occupations in which there is a shortage of labour, and their transfer from private work to Government work, has necessarily had an appreciable effect in curtailing other private work.