HC Deb 14 November 1917 vol 99 cc403-4W
Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has considered representations made to him by unions representing women munition workers that they should receive an increase of 10s. per week to meet the increased cost of living; and whether he is now prepared to make an announcement on this subject?

Mr. KELLAWAY

This question has been referred to the Special Arbitration Tribunal constituted under Sections 6 and 8 of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act, 1916, for its advice.

Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has considered the proposals submitted to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry in July last by the standing joint committee of the unions representing women workers concerning the proposed consolidated Order on women's wages; and whether he is now prepared to make any announcement regarding the issue of that Order?

Mr. KELLAWAY

This question has been referred to the Special Arbitration Tribunal, constituted under Sections 6 and 8 of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act, 1916. I hope that it may be possible to make an announcement at an early date regarding the issue of the Order.

Mr. DUNCAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the manager of Messrs. Morgan, Limited, aeroplane builders, Leighton Buzzard, held a meeting of the women employed by the firm and attempted to intimidate them from joining the Workers' Union and further threatened the women that if they joined the union they would be dismissed from the firm's employ; and whether he will make inquiry into this matter with a view to preventing any further repetition of such action by the manager of this firm?

Mr. KELLAWAY

This matter has not previously been brought to my notice, but I am making inquiries, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. Friend in due course.