§ 59. Mr. CROOKSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the number of workmen who have lost their lives in explosions in munition works; that the maximum amount of compensation payable is £300; that where the widow is left with a large family of young children this sum is soon exhausted; and whether he will consider the possibility of dealing with the dependants of men who have lost their lives in this way in the same manner as the dependants of soldiers and sailors who have been killed in the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not aware of the exact number, but this information is, I have no doubt, on record in the Ministry of Munitions. I am afraid that I cannot undertake to adopt the course suggested in the question, conditions of service in 434 munition factories and in the Army and Navy being wholly dissimilar, more particularly in respect of wages and discipline.