§ Mr. ALDENasked the Minister of Munitions whether between 300 and 400 men at the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, have received notice of discharge as from the 29th June; if so, whether he will state the reason for discharging so large a number of men; whether he can also state how many of these men would in the natural order of things be called up; how many are above the age at which men are now required for the Army; and what steps he proposes to take to secure employment for all those who are thrown out of work?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYAbout 400 men employed at the Royal Gunpowder Factory have received notice of discharge on account of a reduction in the output required from the Factory. Forty-three of the men have been, or will be, called up immediately for military service. About 100 are over the age of fifty-one. The Ministry of Munitions are endeavouring to arrange with the Employment Department of the Ministry of Labour for suitable work to be offered to those of the discharged men who require assistance in obtaining employment.