Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that a number of painters working at Messrs. Napiers, motor engineers, at Acton, having been engaged painting engines and motor cars for war purposes, are now under notice to leave the firm; in consequence of the men being over military age whether he will consider the possibility of putting them on work where it is intended to put women on; and if he is aware that one of the men, who is an old soldier, has worked for the firm for the past ten years and bears an excellent character?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have made inquiries into the case referred to by my hon. Friend, and I find that three of their men engaged as labourers in rough painting motor and chassis were given notice to leave owing to the work on which they were engaged having come to an end. Two of the men in question have, however, been re-engaged on other work by the same firm. As regards the old soldier referred to in the last part of the question, I am informed that he has not been continuously employed by the firm, but has worked on and off for them for a number of years. He had been offered other work by the firm, but had in the meanwhile been offered, and accepted, another post elsewhere.