HC Deb 02 May 1918 vol 105 cc1695-7
24. Mr. MARRIOTT

asked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been called to the time lost in shipyards, particularly by riveters, during the months of February and March, 1918; and whether he will draft into the Army those men of military age who persistently keep bad time?

Mr. BECK

My attention has been called to the matter referred to by the hon. Member. Men of military age who persistently keep bad time are liable, after being afforded an opportunity for explanation, to have their protection certificates withdrawn.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Is this practice bring adopted? Arc the men who are wilfully keeping bad time now being called to the Colours?

Mr. BECK

I think I have nothing to add to my answer. If these men systematically keep bad time, after they have been afforded an opportunity of laying their case before the Committee, they go back to civil life. They are liable to military service, and may be called up.

Mr. TERRELL

May I ask for an assurance, so far as the Department of the hon. Gentleman is concerned, that such men will be called up?

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Will the hon. Gentleman inform all employers of labour of the opportunity of coercion given by him?

Mr. BECK

I think the hon. Member must know that that is an entirely misleading statement. There is the most elaborate machinery to safeguard these men in every particular. It has been fully agreed to by all the persons concerned.

Mr. TERRELL

May I ask for an assurance that the men who are wilfully keeping bad time will be called up?

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Will the hon. Gentleman also endeavour to secure some test whereby we can arrive at what is wilfulness?

Mr. BECK

There is such a test.

Mr. TERRELL

May I ask for an answer to my question?