§ Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Minister of Munitions whether he will inquire into the question of promotions amongst the workmen engaged at the Royal Gunpowder Factory, at Waltham Abbey, as many complaints are made that men with only a few months' service are promoted over the heads of those who have been there a number of years; and whether he will do his best to allay the prevalent dissatisfaction entailed thereby?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have made inquiry into the system adopted. Other things being equal, preference is given in regard to promotion, to men with the longer service. In other cases merit has precedence over long service, and my hon. Friend will no doubt agree that this is the proper system.