HC Deb 18 February 1918 vol 103 cc449-50
27. Mr. WALTER ROCH

asked the Minister of Munitions which Government Departments and what other persons were consulted before the 12½ per cent. advance was given; were the employers consulted; if so, which; whom did the War Cabinet consult before giving the original advance to skilled workers and before making the extension to semi skilled and unskilled workers; what, if any, connection these advances had with the abolition of leaving certificates; and what effect the abolition has had on output?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINSTRY Of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

A full statement on this subject was made by my right hon. Friend on 14th January in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich. To that statement I would refer my hon. Friend.

Mr. ROCH

Since that date, has not an important statement been made by the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Barnes), and cannot the hon. Gentleman therefore, answer this question, which deals with an entirely different point?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Any question as to the statement made by my right hon. Friend must be addressed to him.

Mr. ROCH

Cannot my hon. Friend say what is the effect on output of this 12½ per cent. bonus?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I think my hon. Friend will find that that question was answered in the statement.

Mr. PRINGLE

Was it stated in the reply what Departments, and what other persons were consulted in regard to the 12½ per cent. bonus, and whether the employers were consulted, and if those questions were not answered cannot he give an answer now?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Both those questions were answered.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Is it not a fact that the Engineering Employers' Federation were consulted, and advised against it, and their advice was turned down?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I know the Engineering Employers' Federation was represented in the discussions that took place before the decision was come to.

Mr. TERRELL

And is it not a fact that their advice was turned down?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Advice which must be accepted is not advice, but direction.

Mr. PRINGLE

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Munitions Supplementary Estimate this afternoon.