HC Deb 26 October 1916 vol 86 cc1276-7
89. Colonel GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will furnish the names of the Combing-Out Committee appointed to deal with the question of single men and men of military age employed in the Department of the Ministry of Munitions; and also if he will state whether the Admiralty and the War Office are represented thereon; and, if so, by whom?

Mr. MONTAGU

The members of the Committee were:

  • Mr. E. B. Phipps (chairman).
  • Mr. J. B. Wimble.
  • Mr. J. A. Potter.
  • Mr. G. M. Booth.
  • Mr. P. G. Henriques.
In Mr. Phipps' absence, Mr. R. H. Carr acted as chairman. The Director of Re- cruiting, War Office, was invited to nominate a member of his staff to represent him on the Committee, but preferred to nominate Mr. Wimble and Mr. Potter, of the London Shipowners' and Transport Workers' Military Service Committee, of which Mr. Wimble is chairman. The Admiralty were not represented.

Colonel GRIFFITHS

Have the War Office nominated two representatives on this Committee, and may I ask whether the Admiralty have also nominated a representative?

Mr. MONTAGU

The War Office nominated these two gentlemen. I do not think the Admiralty were represented.

Colonel GRIFFITHS

Is it not desirable that the Admiralty should be represented on such an important Committee?

Mr. MONTAGU

I do not think so. I do not know that the need of the Admiralty is anything like that of the War Office in this matter, and the need of the latter Department is notoriously great. I will inquire whether the Admiralty desire to be represented on the appointment of any future Committee.

Mr. WATT

How many have been combed out of the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. MONTAGU

I think, speaking from memory, something like 160.