§ Mr. BROADasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of withdrawing Rule No. 1a from the rules and regulations governing ordnance factories, which limits the age at which men can be employed to 45 years; and whether he is aware that craftsmen at this age are of mature skill, experience, and reliability, and would often be preferred by the officers who are responsible for the engagement of workmen?
§ Lieut.-Colonel JACKSONSo far as I am at present aware there are no sufficient reasons for changing the general practice, which is of old standing. It is not an absolute rule, and in the cases referred to in the last part of the question, discretion can be, and on occasion actually is, exercised. I will, however, look into the matter further.