§ 3. Sir R. Youngasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he has considered the complaints of the Earlestown Industrial Co-operative Society regarding some of their employés leaving without notice, and the interference with adequate coal supplies to its members; and, seeing that the people complained of have been engaged by a neighbouring factory, and that this factory is regarded by many employers of labour as a place where many men seek employment to escape military service, and that in some cases skilled men are employed in an unskilled or semi-skilled capacity at greatly enhanced wages, whether he will say what has been done to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Mr. AsshetonI understand that the complaint refers to engagement of workers for building and constructional work on a new Government factory. In future, engagement of labour on this contract, as in building work generally, will be regulated under the Undertakings (Restriction on Engagement) Order made on Monday last.
§ Sir R. YoungHave any investigations been made into this particular place as to the employment of skilled and semiskilled men under certain conditions?
§ Mr. AsshetonI think that is another question.
§ WELFARE COMMITTEE.
9. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether the jurisdiction of the welfare committee, appointed by him to look after the interests of munition workers, extends to Scotland; and, if so, how many Scottish representatives are members of the central committee?
§ Mr. AsshetonThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes." As regards the second part, appointments were not made on a territorial basis.
Mr. DavidsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this continual centralisation is arousing feeling that will be detrimental to the schemes of the Ministry?
§ Mr. AsshetonI am sure that the Scottish trade unionists are doing all they can to assist my right hon. Friend.
§ 11. Mr. Kenneth Lindsayasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether the welfare committee recently set up is expected to concern itself with the welfare of young people outside factory hours?
§ Mr. AsshetonYes, Sir, the scope of the Factory and Welfare Advisory Board covers the question of welfare arrangements both inside and outside the factories. In so far as young people are concerned, the Board will maintain close contact with the Board of Education and the National Youth Committee to ensure co-ordination of policy and action.
§ Mr. DenmanWill the Ministry also keep in close touch with the Ministries of Supply and of Aircraft Production who are interested in this problem?
§ Mr. AsshetonYes, Sir.
Mr. DavidsonCan the hon. Gentleman say, in order to carry out this welfare work what contacts have been made in the North of England and Scotland by this Welfare Board?
§ Mr. AsshetonThat is another question.