§ 41. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention had been called to the case of H. Simpson, an ex-soldier employed by a firm of engineers in Huddersfield, who appealed to the local munition Court to grant him the leaving certificate refused by his firm; whether he is aware that this man, 752 whilst serving with the Colours, contracted malaria in Cyprus, was ill with the same trouble in Pekin, was invalided home from the Dardanelles on account of it, and was, in addition, wounded in France; that Simpson stated that owing to his condition he could not stand the heat of the factory, and was told by the chairman that a good many other people had to work there; that the applicant stated he would sooner shoot himself than go back; and whether any steps will be taken to ensure that this ex-soldier will not have to suffer a period of six weeks enforced idleness under the provisions of the Munitions Acts?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYMy attention had not previously been drawn to this case, but I am making inquiries, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.
§ Mr. ANDERSONIn view of the constant cases of hardship created by this leaving certificate arrangement, will the Ministry now consider the question of abrogating those certificates and restoring some larger measure of justice and freedom for the working men?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have no doubt that a statement on the subject will be made shortly.