§ 23. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that numbers of engineers and other highly-skilled workers are being forced into the Army under the Military Service Act, 1916, despite an admitted shortage of such workers in munition and other factories; and whether, in view of the fact that schemes for the dilution of labour were based on the shortage of such skilled labour, he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy right hon. Friend is aware that in some cases skilled workpeople of a kind urgently required for munitions work have been summoned to the Colours. In so far as such men are already engaged on munitions work and hold war service badge certificates, the existing instructions provide that they cannot be called up for service without the consent of the Ministry of Munitions. As regards men not so engaged, my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board has already issued a special instruction to local tribunals and I understand that he is about to send out a further and more explicit letter on the subject for their guidance.