§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Home Secretary whether his Department or any authority under his control has approached or is approaching a professional organisation, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers, with a view to securing their co-operation in compiling lists of persons willing to help in carrying on industries or services voluntarily in case of a strike; if so, what are the bodies which have been approached; whether any circulars dealing with this matter have been issued by such bodies to their members at his suggestion or with his consent; whether access to lists of names and other information compiled by this and other similar means is afforded to other Departments of State or to employers or to other persons; if so, to what Departments or persons; and whether any inducements, financial or otherwise, are offered to members of such organisations in order to persuade them to enrol?
§ Mr. SHORTTSteps such as those set out in the question have been taken. Access to any such lists is afforded to other Departments, especially the Ministry of Food, but not to any employers or other persons. The action taken by the Government is directed solely to maintaining in an emergency the essentials of life for the people. No inducement has been offered to1348W members of such organisations to persuade them to enrol. If any pay should be necessary it would be at trade union rates.