HC Deb 24 January 1918 vol 101 cc1149-50
54. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Minister of Reconstruction has appointed a Committee, under the title of the Civil War-workers Committee, to advise upon the demobilisation of all men and women engaged in the manufacture of munitions of war, consisting of eighteen persons, of whom seven are representative of trade unions, seven are Government officials, and only two can be said to be representative of employers; whether he is aware that manufacturers, though concerned and interested in the work of this Committee, have not been consulted as to its constitution; and whether he will arrange that in this and all similar committees the representatives of employers are equally balanced with the representatives of labour?

The MINISTER of RECONSTRUCTION (Dr. Addison)

The Committee which was originally nominated by the late Reconstruction Committee contains five employers and four trade unionists (one a woman), in addition to two other representatives of women's interests. The importance of securing a fair representation of the interests affected is always carefully borne in mind.

Mr. TERRELL

Will my right hon. Friend state the names of the five employers? Is he aware that the list of members of the Committee which he furnished contains the names of only four employers, and that two of these are not employers who would be accepted by employers as representative of their interests?

Dr. ADDISON

We had better see the list. I shall be glad to confer with my hon. Friend.

Colonel Sir F. HALL

In view of the enormous number of questions that are bound to arise on demobilisation, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the necessity of increasing the number of members of the Committee by placing a larger number of employers on that Committee?

Dr. ADDISON

As I have pointed out, I arr. perfectly open to add to the Committee if that is going to increase its efficiency.

Mr. TERRELL

In view of the great importance of this matter, I will put a question next week to the Prime Minister.

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