HC Deb 21 March 1918 vol 104 cc1208-9W
Mr. BYRNE

asked the Minister of Munitions what facilities will be given to munition workers for travelling to their homes for the Easter holidays; if he will see that Irishmen performing work of national importance in Great Britain will receive a quarter or half-fare railway tickets or vouchers; and if he is aware that priviliges granted to British workers have been withheld from Irish workmen?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Assigned war munition volunteers, Army Reserve munition workers, and released soldiers will, as before, be entitled to free railway passes to enable them to visit their homes during the Easter holidays. Other munition workers will, if they are employed in controlled establishments, be eligible for cheap vouchers for the same purpose, but the number of these vouchers at the disposal of the Ministry is strictly limited.

Irish munition workers will, as previously, be entitled to the same privileges in these respects as those living in other parts of the country. There is no foundation for the hon. Member's suggestion that there has been any discrimination against Irish workmen in this matter.