§ 57. Mr. GEORGE TERRELLasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the shortage in the engineering shops engaged on munitions work of skilled blacksmiths and skilled drop-stampers; and whether, in the circumstances, he proposes to take steps to obtain the immediate release from the Army of the men necessary to fill the vacancies?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe shortage in the engineering shops engaged on munitions work of skilled blacksmiths and skilled drop-stampers is receiving the attention of the Ministry. A number of men of the types mentioned have already been released from the Army, and further applications have been forwarded to the War Office to obtain the release of skilled men for this class of work.
§ Mr. TERRELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is not a great deal of difficulty and delay in getting these men returned—men who are very urgently required?
§ Dr. ADDISONThere is difficulty and delay, and it is inevitable. The men are sometimes scattered in all parts of the world. Sometimes they are ill, sometimes in hospital, and so on. There is bound to be delay.
§ Mr. TERRELLDoes that delay not mean delaying munitions?