HC Deb 05 November 1929 vol 231 c831
71. Mr. KELLY

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of boys employed on explosive work at Woolwich Arsenal?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Shinwell)

The number of male employés under 21 years of age engaged on explosives work at War Department establishments at the Royal Arsenal is approximately 280, but included in this number are various employés engaged on such work as the weighing, gauging and packing of completed small arms cartridges.

Mr. KELLY

In view of the danger of this work and of boys being employed in the danger area, will the War Office consider giving this work to adult labour?

Mr. SHINWELL

We have no reason to assume that the rate of casualties among employés in this work is higher than that among the employés in other work.

Mr. KELLY

In view of the danger of handling these explosives, will the Department not get rid of these boys in the Arsenal danger area?

Forward to