§ 37. Mr. DAVID WILLIAMSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that soldiers were supplied as semi-skilled welders during a dispute between Messrs. Tickers-Armstrong, Barrow-in-Furness, and their skilled welders; and whether it is the policy of the War Office to supply soldiers as workmen during a dispute?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)The two men to whom the hon. Member refers were on the eve of their discharge to civilian life when employment was found for them with Messrs. Vickers-Armstrong. They had been trained as welders at an Army Vocational Training Centre, and the commandant, in seeking work for them, was following the normal procedure and was unaware of any trade dispute. The answer to the second part of the question is "No."