§ 73. Major NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, as from the 10th instant, no man engaged in. the production of ironstone, iron ore, limestone, coke, pig iron, steel, and fifteen other similar industries is to be called up for military service; has the Government considered how this Order will affect the supply of recruits; and will the Government in this national emergency sanction, under proper safeguards in these industries which chiefly use unskilled labour, the employment of labour drawn from the Empire overseas?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI understand that in view of the imperative necessity of rapidly increasing the home production of steel in order to satisfy the pressing needs of the Navy, merchant shipping, and of munitions and other War Office requirements, the Minister of Munitions has represented to the Army Council that no-men engaged in the steel and allied industries should be called up for military service until suitable substitutes have been provided. The suggestion made in the last part of the question is being considered.
§ Major NEWMANCould not my right hon. Friend say of his own knowledge that of the men engaged in the ironstone industry not one in ten is a skilled workman?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is not a questions of skilled men. We need the products.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre we to understand from the last reply that the Government is considering the introduction of coloured labour into this country for these works?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have said the question of getting labour wherever it is available is being considered by the Government.