§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that complaints are made in Liverpool in connection with the Liverpool Dock Battalion, known as the khaki dockers, that on many mornings when these men are mustered at 6.45 several hundreds are occasionally sent home at 7.15 a.m. because of there being no Government work for them; whether he is aware that these men, through no fault of their own, are paid full wages, at the country's expense, whilst idle; that many of them are idle for three days a week, during which time they receive full dockers' pay of 10s. 6d. per day in addition to their daily Army pay; and that during the month of September last at times one-half of the battalion, numbering about 1,200 men, have been idle, through no fault of their own, and receiving full pay; whether this state of affairs is brought about by the diversion from Liverpool of Liverpool liners carrying Government stores, foodstuffs, and refrigerated meat; whether he is aware that the civilian dockers do not care to work with these men, although they are at all times willing to work with the mobile soldiers' battalion, which is principally composed of discharged or wounded soldiers and sailors and consequently has the sympathy of the civilian dock labourer; and will he see that adequate means are adopted to prevent this waste of labour and public money?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am making inquiry into the statements contained in the question, and will acquaint my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.