§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Home Secretary if any application has been made to him for permission to employ women in wool-combing sheds on the night turn; and whether, before committing himself in favour of the proposal referred to, he will consult the representatives of the wool-combers' trade union and ascertain from them the serious nature of their objections to the employment of women on the night turn in woolcombing sheds?
§ Mr. BRACEApplications to this effect have been received from two or three firms in the worsted industry. The matter is urgent, as the supplies for the Army and for export are seriously affected by the shortage of male labour; but I will take steps, before a decision is arrived at, to see that the representatives of the union are consulted and any objections ascertained and considered.