§ 85. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Minister of Munitions whether he can give the reason for the closing down of the T.N.T. works at Wallis Road, Hackney; whether he is aware that a wages question affecting the workpeople was to have 1280 been referred to a tribunal; can he say whether the employés are to be thrown into unemployment or whether any arrangement is to be made to transfer the workpeople to some other factory; and, if so; what will be the conditions on which such transfer is likely to be carried out?
Mr. KKLLAWAYThe decision to close the T.N.T. section of the factory was taken on general grounds, and was unconnected with the fact that a difference with the workers' union was down for hearing at arbitration. The displaced operatives have been asked to volunteer for transfer to other, factories. The usual rates of pay current for the particular class of work in the district to which a worker is transferred will be paid in every ease.
§ Mr. DUNCANWill that apply both to women and men?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYYes.