§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that of the men in the 60th Labour Company, Antwerp, 50 per cent. have been relegated to the unit on account of wounds and other disabilities received in the fighting line, and that the other 50 per cent. are men who, owing to physical disabilities, were enlisted in the Labour Corps; that, in spite of the physical condition of these men, they have to rise at 6.30 in the morning, parade for work at 7.30, commence at 8 o'clock loading, examining, and stacking all calibres of ammunition at an average of 2 tons a man per day; that three officers and three clerks are all the staff to pay out 500 men, and there are no means of recreation provided; that whilst the men are not paid as workmen, they are not treated as regards pay, recreation, etc., as soldiers; and whether he will have inquiries made into these complaints with a view of these men being apportioned work more in keeping with their physical strength?
Captain GUESTI am not aware of this, but a report is being called for, and I will write to my right hon. Friend on the matter later.