HC Deb 04 June 1918 vol 106 cc1396-7
11. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in respect of the loading and unloading of ships at the ports, it is the policy of the War Office that available civilian labour should be utilised before military labour is employed; if so, why military labour is being used by the authorities at the North Wall, Dublin, to the detriment and unemployment of civilian labour; whether it is the intention of the military to send over to Dublin a further battalion of soldier dockers unless the workmen there are prepared to accept a wage less than the standard wage; and what action it is proposed to take in this matter?

Mr. FORSTER

I understand that the Ministry of Shipping is responsible for the loading and unloading of ships. In answer to the hon. Member, on the 25th April last, I explained the necessity for the use of military labour in Dublin. I am not aware of any intention to send soldier dockers to Dublin from this country.