§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the Committee on Production awarded 25 per cent, additional war bonus to all steelworks employés earning from 21s. to 30s. And 31s. to 40s. as against 20 per cent, additional war bonus granted at the Conciliation Board meeting held on the 4th of May last to all tinplate works employés earning similar amounts; and if he can state whether the Ministry of Munitions has endorsed the Committee on Production's findings?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe facts are as stated by my hon. Friend in the first part of the question. The award of the Committee on Production was not submitted for endorsement by the Ministry nor did it need to be submitted. Awards made on differences reported under Part I. of the Munitions of War Act, 1915, are binding of themselves and do not require the Minister's sanction.