Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of Munitions if ho is aware that the firm of 771W Holland and Hannen, who are constructing a flying ground at Kidbrook, are employing prisoners of war; if he is aware that the British labourers on the work have made a protest against the employment of these men and that there is a probability of a dispute; and will he state the conditions under which these prisoners are working and the wages paid them?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe contractors referred to are engaged in the erection of an aircraft stores depot, and in view of the shortage of unskilled labour a certain number of prisoners of war have been placed at their disposal for unskilled work. Between 300 and 400 British labourers are also employed by the firm on the building and two of these men did protest against the employment of prisoners the day before the work started, but the matter has now settled down and there is no apprehension of a dispute.
The pay of soldier prisoners of war varies from ½d. to 2d. an hour, according to skill and nature of work. The contractor pays the State for such labour at the rate current in the district.