3 JULY 1915, Page 10

Sir John Simon replied for the Government. The employ- ment

of a considerable number of women, where hitherto their work had been prevented by Trade Union regulations, was contemplated, and if a woman did as good a day's work as a man she must be paid a man's wage. He repeated the promise that after the war Trade Unionism should enjoy all the " old traditions " which it was now being asked to forgo. The Munitions Courts to deal with workmen would have no power of imprisonment,. They would have power to inflict fines only. As regards munition volunteers, the statement that the Government had secured all the men they wanted was "a dangerous misapprehension." They must get a great many more volunteers than they would he able ultimately to employ, because there must be discrimination. They must avoid

taking men who were engaged on really important work outside the manufacture of munitions.