HC Deb 02 November 1916 vol 86 cc1824-5
67. Major NEWMAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the military authorities will be given opportunities of checking and challenging the returns of unskilled employés under thirty years of age which he is asking for from all badged firms under his control; and will the placing of a workman in the skilled or unskilled category be left solely to the discretion of the manager or foremen of the firms in question?

Dr. ADDISON

It is part of the procedure of the Substitution Scheme recently inaugurated that one copy of the return furnished by the firms shall be forwarded by the Divisional officer of the Board of Trade Employment Department to the military authority interested. Further, the register of employés which firms were required by Statute in April last to prepare and maintain, is open to inspection by the military authorities on demand. It is obvious that the register of employés referred to must be compiled by the firm, and, therefore, the firm is responsible for the correctness of the entries. A false entry in the register, however, is an. offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

Major NEWMAN

Do I understand that there is no power to allow an inspection on the firm's premises?

Dr. ADDISON

I said the exact opposite. I said that the register of employés is open to inspection by the military authorities on demand.

Major NEWMAN

On the premises?

Dr. ADDISON

That is where it is kept.