§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the war service badges and certificates issued to a number of munition workers who have been for the past year or so in the employment of Messrs. Mackie and Sons, Limited, Albert Foundry, Belfast, have been ordered by the Government to be returned to the firm, and have been returned accordingly; whether the War Office was responsible for the issue of this Order; why such an Order was considered necessary; and whether any further action on the part of the War Office authorities is contemplated in regard to the workers referred to?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The badges held by semi-skilled and unskilled workmen employed by the firm named were withdrawn and recalled under a direction given by the Minister of Munitions to all firms holding badges in Great Britain and Ireland. The direction was issued in pursuance of an agreement with the War Office with regard to what is known as the substitution scheme. My hon. Friend informs me that the War Office do not contemplate any further action with regard to the particular workmen referred to in the question, unless any of them are attested men or are liable to service under the Military Service Act, in which case they will be dealt with in the ordinary way.