§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions if he can state the number of men who have been discharged from the Woolwich Arsenal during the last four weeks and the number of women who have been taken on in their stead, and the rates of pay that the women are receiving for the work formerly done by the men?
§ Dr. ADDISONDuring the last four weeks 1,111 men (including lads under twenty-one years of age released for service in the Army) have been discharged from Woolwich, apart from men discharged from the Building Works Department on termination of temporary engagement. During the same period in various departments 1,523 women have been engaged, but not necessarily to take the place of the men above referred to. The women receive the same piece-work rate as the men, but the day rates are not identical.