HC Deb 24 July 1918 vol 108 cc1789-90
30. Mr. JOWETT

asked the Undersecretary of State for War concerning men of the Labour Company, France, who are classified B 2 or Grade 3 and who are forty years of age or approaching thereto, if he is aware that men of this age and class, whose daily routine until recently began with reveillé at 4.45 a.m., parade at 6 a.m., and was followed by a heavy day's task work with the Royal Engineers which, with a long walk in the interval, commenced at 7 a.m., have been supplied with rifles, which they are to learn the use of after their day's work and without any adjustment of their daily task; if he will make inquiries with a view to the day's work of the men in question being reduced so as to allow of rifle practice if the latter is considered necessary; and if he will further inquire as to the reason why this Order, increasing the day's work of the men of this company, is followed or preceded by the words, no reference must be made to this Order when writing home?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.