§ Mr. STANTONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that miners who are sent home on Reserve, Class W, to work in the mines are sent in just what they stand up in, that a miner needs at least two suits, that he has to work two weeks before receiving any wages, that they have 219W to depend upon some person or persons to provide for them for that time, and that married men have their families dependent upon them as their wives' separation allowances are immediately stopped on the soldier's return, therefore the whole family are destitute and have to live upon the charity of their neighbours; and whether he will take some action in the matter?
§ Mr. FORSTERLike all other men transferred to this Reserve, miners receive a complete outfit on transfer. I am afraid that we cannot treat them exceptionally as regards a second suit. Negotiations are in progress with the Inspector of Mines to secure that the collieries do not keep the men without pay for two weeks.
§ Mr. WINGasked the Secretary of State for War (1) if all soldiers returned from the front to hospital and, after medical examination, Class C (3) Permanent, are returned to their occupations and, in the case of miners, to the mines; (2) if miners in the Reserve serving as ambulance men in hospitals in Category C ii. are being returned to the mines and has an order to that effect been issued; and, if so, what body is responsible for its carrying out?
§ Mr. FORSTERAll men who are miners and are not tit for general service are, if they are willing, to be returned at once to their civil employment, provided that the manager of the colliery in which they formerly worked is willing to receive them.