HC Deb 07 August 1918 vol 109 cc1359-60
72. Captain BARNETT

asked the Minister of Munitions how many friendly aliens of military age are now employed in munition works and Government Departments; and whether there is any reason why these men should not be gradually replaced by discharged sailors and soldiers?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I regret that I have no information as to the number of friendly aliens of military age holding permits to work on munitions. In view of the large unsatisfied demand for labour for munitions work, there is no reason to think that their retention is excluding discharged soldiers or sailors from employment. I have no information as to the number of friendly aliens employed in other Government Departments, but the number employed in the Ministry of Munitions is twelve, of whom ten are American and two Belgian.

73. Captain BARNETT

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will consider the desirability of requiring all controlled establishments to employ at least 10 per cent. of discharged sailors and soldiers; and whether he will consult the trades unions concerned as to the best means of providing for the instruction of these men so that those showing the necessary capacity and intelligence may qualify as skilled workmen?

Mr. KELLAWAY

In conjunction with the Ministries of Labour and Pensions, I am doing everything possible to secure employment on munitions work for suitable discharged soldiers and sailors. The Ministry of Munitions has impressed upon controlled establishments the necessity of employing such men to the utmost possible extent. Similar directions have been issued to the heads of our own establishments. My hon. and gallant Friend will, however, recognise that conditions in the various branches of the munitions industry vary considerably, and it is not considered practicable to lay down a definite percentage as proposed. The Ministry of Munitions is informed that the Ministries of Pensions and Labour have for some time past been in consultation with the representatives of trade unions and employers on the subject of training discharged men to qualify as skilled workmen.

There are continuously under training in Ministry of Munitions schools some 900 discharged sailors and soldiers, and the number is increasing. Owing to the rapid development of this work we are setting up a special section in the Labour Supply Department to deal with questions arising out of the employment of discharged sailors and soldiers on munitions, and to ensure as far as possible that due consideration shall be given to the claims of those men to employment in munition factories.