HC Deb 11 July 1917 vol 95 cc1914-5
84 and 93. Mr. T. WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that munition workers in the Glasgow district who were sent by their trade unions, and who are a long distance from their homes, are not being allowed the same travelling facilities as the Munition Volunteer Workers and the Army Reserve workers to visit their homes during the coming Glasgow holidays; whether he will arrange for all these workmen being granted the same privileges so far as travelling on the railways is concerned; (2) if he is aware that, while Munition Volunteer Workers and Army Reserve workers who are working in the Glasgow and Clyde districts are being granted cheap railway tickets for the Glasgow holidays, other workmen living at long distances from their homes, and who were sent to work in these districts by their trade unions, are being refused cheap tickets; and whether he will give instructions that workmen living long distances from home shall all be granted the same travelling facilities?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. The position is as stated. I regret that as indicated in the reply given on 25th June to the hon. Member for Dublin Harbour by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, it has not been found practicable to issue holiday tickets at reduced fares to munition workers generally. My right hon. Friend has, however, made special arrangements to meet the case of war munition volunteers and Army Reserve munition workers who have been transferred by express direction of the Ministry.

Mr. WILSON

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable amount of unrest is caused by the action of the two Departments in not allowing men who have worked under similar circumstances to return home?

Mr. KELLAWAY

They are not working under similar circumstances. These special arrangements are made for men who have put themselves at the disposal of the Ministry and can be moved under the direction of the Ministry.