HC Deb 05 June 1919 vol 116 cc2269-70W
Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that in November, 1915, a number of American workmen were engaged by Messrs. Willans and Robinson, Rugby, for work on munitions, under a contract which provided for the return passage of the men to America on the termination of their employment; that some of the men now desire to return home, and have been informed that they cannot get a third-class passage on board ship before October next; and whether any steps can be taken to secure the passage of these men at an earlier date, and thus enable them to return home, and allow the workmen at present unemployed to fill their places?

Mr. WARDLE

I have been asked to reply to this question. Under the Government scheme of repatriation for munition workers, the American workmen referred to are entitled to receive free return passages to America, provided that they applied before the 3rd May. Such applications have been received from four workmen employed by Messrs. Willans and Robinson, and have been granted. Passages have been offered by a boat sailing on the 12th June.