§ 24. General COLVINasked the Minister of Munitions whether the rule in force at the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey and the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, with regard to the non-employment of licence-holders as munition workers, applies equally to all other Government factories; and whether, in view of the financial loss a man will incur if compelled to dispose of his lease by the enforcement of this rule at the present time, some modification of the rule may be considered?
§ Sir W. EVANSThe rule referred to is not enforced in all Government factories, though it is of almost universal application to Government explosive factories. Six months have been allowed to the licence-holders to dispose of their interests and if in any special case hardship is proved an application for extension of the time will be considered on its merits.
§ General COLVINWill the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of dispensing with the rule altogether?
§ Sir W. EVANSNo, I am not able to say that that can be.