HC Deb 08 June 1917 vol 94 cc502-4
15. Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any arrangements have been made to permit of the holding of the Glasgow Fair holidays during the present summer; and over what period of time the munition and other industrial workers in the West of Scotland will be permitted to extend their summer holiday this year?

Mr. KELLAWAY

It is not proposed this year to interfere with the holding of the Glasgow Fair and other summer holidays in Scotland, except in the case of individual establishments whose output may be found-to be urgently required. I have no doubt that both employers and employed will realise the importance of not extending the holiday beyond the period which is recognised in the district or which may be required for the purpose of repairing plant.

Mr. HOLMES

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he has considered the question of the facilities for transport in connection with the Glasgow Fair Holidays, and what is being done?

Mr. G. ROBERTS

This matter is receiving attention, and I hope it will be possible to provide reasonably adequate railway facilities during the holidays for the workers in the Clyde district.

Mr. GULLAND

Will those facilities not also apply to workers in other parts of Scotland?

Mr. ROBERTS

My right hon. Friend and myself have this whole matter under consideration, and we are prepared to receive any representations. We are in communication with the Minister of Munitions and the Railway Executive to see whether any, and what, railway facilities can be put into operation during the holiday season.

Mr. GULLAND

Will the hon. Member kindly keep in mind the very large number of munition workers in the South of Scotland?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am not likely to overlook them, or the large numbers in other parts of the country.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the main question here is the steamship facilities, and may I ask him whether the representatives of the Board of Trade will receive a deputation from the district?

Mr. ROBERTS

Yes, we are not averse to receiving a deputation. The question of steamship facilities is even greater than that of railway facilities, and we are in communication with the Shipping Controller to see whether anything can be done in that direction.