§ 59. Mr. TIMOTHY DAVIESasked the Minister of Munitions if he is able to state the effect on the production of munitions and on the health of the workers due to the change of policy announced to the House which was being carried out with a view of reducing the weekly hours of labour in certain national factories; whether he is satisfied with the result of the experiments; and, if so, whether it is his intention to extend the practice to all controlled munition factories and to do away with Sunday labour as far as possible?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe experiment referred to by my hon. Friend is not yet in working, but it is hoped shortly to make a beginning in a limited number of national factories. After a beginning has been made some time must elapse before it will be safe to draw any conclusions as to the success of the experiment and as to the effect that its extension would have on national production.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANMay I ask whether the reduction of hours is likely to be made at the expense of the people whose hours are to be reduced?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThat is one of the points that will have to be considered.