§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Minister of Munitions whether he has taken any steps, and, if so, of what nature, to secure the dilution of labour in uncontrolled establishments?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Agreement made at the Treasury in March, 1915, between representatives of the Government and representatives of workmen's organisations for accelerating the output of munitions applies to all work on war munitions and equipments whether in controlled or in other establishments. This Agreement contains a provision for such relaxation of trade practices as may be necessary for the acceleration of output. Employers whose establishments are not controlled are consequently able to avail themselves of this Agreement in 73W order to carry out the recommendations of the Ministry of Munitions for dilution of labour. Such establishments are visited by technical officers of the Department who formulate schemes of dilution for them, but the compulsory powers of the Ministry under the Munitions of War Acts do not extend to these establishments. My right hon. Friend is discussing with the Labour Adviser to the Government the possibility of extending dilution to private and commercial work in engineering and allied establishments.