§ 9. Mr. Crowderasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the shortage of skilled civilian labour avail able for building hutted camps; and whether he will consider withdrawing a sufficient number of tradesmen from their units and forming them into artisan works companies to cope with this work?
§ Captain MargessonSeveral of the Army troops companies and artisan works companies are short of tradesmen, and steps are being taken to remedy this by transferring to these companies tradesmen from other arms where full use is not being made of their capabilities. It is not proposed at present to form more artisan works companies.
§ Mr. CrowderIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there are some thousands of tons of material in certain districts—I could give him particulars—which have been lying there since October, and which are only waiting for labour to erect these huts? Will he bear in mind that it is very urgent to get these new camps ready for the new intake of men by next October?
§ Captain MargessonYes, Sir.