§ Mr. HOLTasked the Minister of Munitions whether No. 2 Amatol Factory at a certain place was instructed to work on Good Friday and Easter Monday, when double wages would be paid, and to close for a week from the night of Monday, 8th April; and, if so, whether he will explain the reason for the apparently unnecessary expenditure of public money incurred by working in the holidays?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYOwing to the enormous expenditure of ammunition of a particular type in the earlier stages of the German offensive, a demand was received from the Army in France that every available shell of that type should be filled at the earliest possible moment. To carry out this demand it was imperative to work during the Easter holidays. As a result of Easter working, the factory was able to deliver the shells at the time required. In paying extra wages the usual custom of the district was followed. The employés were informed that if they worked through the holidays they should have their holiday as soon as the particular consignment had been filled, and, the need having been met, it was deemed advisable to give the holiday at once.