POST-WAR EMPLOYMENT (ARRANGEMENTS). (Hansard, 17 October 1918)

§ 66 and 67. Mr. G. TERRELL
asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the possibility of an early peace, any committee had been appointed with authority to wind up contracts for the manufacture of munitions of war and to award compensation; and (2) whether, in view of the possibility of an early peace, he can state definitely what arrangements have been made to find employment for workpeople now engaged on war work in munition factories?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
The matters referred to by my hon. Friend have been long tinder the consideration of the Government, but it is not possible at present to make a statement about them.

§ Mr. TERRELL
Are we to understand that in the event of an early peace no one has authority to deal with these contracts, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very great complication and difficulty is likely to arise unless this matter is dealt with?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
The hon. Member may, I think, give us credit for assuming that all that has not been overlooked by the Government.

§ Mr. TERRELL
When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement on the subject?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
My hon. Friend cannot have given much consideration to the subject! How is it possible to state in answer to a question the very detailed and difficult work which is being done in this matter?

§ 68. Mr. TERRELL
asked the Prime Minister whether a deputation of manufacturers, convened under the auspices of the National Union of Manufacturers on the 30th July last, represented to him that on the declaration of peace many firms now engaged in war work would be greatly disorganised, and would find it difficult to continue to give employment to their workpeople, and with a view to the urgency and importance of putting an end to the present uncertainty they desired the Government to make a declaration of the national economic policy as it affects the Empire, the Allies, and neutral and belligerent countries; whether the same deputation recorded its opinion that the Government should so frame its policy that the reconstruction of industries should not be hindered or threatened by undue foreign competition or dumping; and whether the Government is now prepared to make any definite statement in regard to the matter?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
A statement on the subject referred to in my hon. Friend's question will be made by the Government, and I hope next week to be able to fix a day for it.