§ Mr. BARNESasked the Minister of Munitions if he will state the present position with regard to the workmen who were deported from the Clyde district; whether any and, if so, how many of the workmen have been allowed to return to their homes and upon what conditions; the reason why all of the men have not been allowed to return; and whether, in view of the length of time the men have now been away from their homes, he will favourably consider the advisability of allowing them to return on suitable conditions?
Mr. PRIMROSETen men in all were deported from the Clyde district. In August last it was decided to allow six of these to return to their homes conditionally upon their giving an undertaking to take no action during the period of the War likely to impede the output of munitions,410W and provided that they were ready to submit any grievance which might arise to be dealt with by the officials of their union. Two of the six men refused to give the undertaking required. One has asked permission to go to Canada. Permission has been given to the other three to return to Glasgow. With regard to the remaining four men, I have to refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given to him on the 10th August last.