HC Deb 30 April 1918 vol 105 cc1383-5
27. Mr. FRANCE

asked the Minister of National Service whether he is now making arrangements to take men for the Army from shipyards and marine engineering works; and, if so, what is the total number of men it is expected will be obtained for the Army in this way?

Mr. BECK

Arrangements have been made providing for the release from marine engineering works and from certain occupations in shipyards of a certain number of men fit for general service in accordance with the Schedule of Protected Occupations, M.M. 130, Revised. The release of these men for service with the forces is under the supervision of the district directors of the Admiralty Shipyard Labour Department for the respective districts. I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate that it is undesirable in the public interest to give the numbers of men who are being raised for the armed forces at the present time.

Mr. FRANCE

May I ask how the work of taking men from the shipyards into the Army is being co-ordinated with the work of returning men from the Army to the shipyards?

Mr. BECK

We are in close consultation with the Supply Department. Certain classes of men can be spared in view of the present grave emergency. In other classes not a single man or boy can be spared from the shipyards.

General Sir IVOR PHILIPPS

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer also refer to Royal dockyards?

Mr. BECK

Yes, the same principles apply broadly to the Royal Dockyards.

Mr. HOLT

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us what class of workmen in shipyards and marine engineering works can be spared?

Mr. BECK

I should require notice of that. It is all set out in the Schedule, M.M. 130, but, roughly speaking, men employed on hulls cannot be spared, but a certain number of marine engineers can be spared.

Mr. WILKIE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that ship constructors cannot be spared, and does not the same thing apply to Royal dockyards as to private firms?

Mr. BECK

I shall be very glad to have information as to that. In fact, we are having a number of representations that too many men are being protected in shipyards. There is alleged to be great resentment in certain parts of the country because of the number of men protected.

Mr. WILKIE

How does that square with the request of the First Lord for everybody to volunteer to go to the shipyards?

Mr. BECK

It is a matter of balance of national interests. The physical fitness of the men comes into the question. Those taken are young, fit men who can be spared, and if they are not taken older men have to be taken.