HC Deb 09 March 1916 vol 80 cc1740-1W
Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Messrs J. Lilley and Sons, tape manufacturers, Derby, are Government contractors; if he is aware that the firm in question have dismissed a number of women workers who have worked for the firm for many years because they were members of a trade union; and what action he proposes to take in the matter, with a view to putting a stop to this practice?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The firm are on the Admiralty list, but have had no Admiralty orders for some months past. I have no information as to the circumstances referred to in the question. I observe that my hon. Friend is addressing similar questions to the War Office and the Ministry of Munitions. I understand my hon. Friend has been asked for further particulars by the Ministry of Munitions.

Mr. THORNE

also asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that Messrs. J. Lilley and Sons, tape manufacturers, Derby, are Government contractors; if he is aware that the firm in question have dismissed a number of women workers who have worked for the firm for many years because they were members of a trade union; and what action he proposes to take in the matter, with a view to putting a stop to this practice?

Dr. ADDISON

I am aware that the firm in question are Government contractors and that they have recently dismissed certain women workers. The firm, however, state that these women were dismissed for bad time-keeping, and not in any way for the reason suggested by my hon. Friend, and they point out that they still have in their employ a number of employés who are members of the trade union. If my hon. Friend has any other information bearing on the case, I shall be glad if he will send it to me.

Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Messrs. J. Lilley and Sons, tape manufacturers, Derby, are Government contractors; if he is aware that the firm in question have dismissed a number of women workers who have worked for the firm for many years because they were members of a trade union; and what action he proposes to take in the matter, with a view to putting a stop to this practice?

Mr. FORSTER

The firm are contractors to the War Office. No complaint against them of the nature referred to has been received, but inquiry will be made into the matter.