Mr. Asquith outlined the Government's views in regard to de-
mobilization when the war is at an end in his reply to a deputation of miners, railway and transport workers on August 3rd. The ,veturn of millions of soldiers to the labour market is bound to cause much trouble and distress if the problem is not faced before- hand. A Demobilization Committee, Mr. Asquith stated, has been act up to study the question ; meanwhile it must be remembered that the New Armies cannot be paid off directly peace comes, but will be gradually reduced, with a period of furlough on full pay. 'The Prime Minister renewed his pledge that the Trade Union practices which are in abeyance for the period of the war should be restored ; the pledge is to be regarded as an " obligation of honour," only to be varied with the consent of all the parties. As for the men, and still more the women, who have replaced temporarily the men now serving at the front, Mr. Asquith could not promise that they should all bo provided with full work or maintenance. He hoped that most of them would be -absorbed by the new demand `for labour when industry revives. In some trades, however, -notably the making of munitions, special measures will have to be devised.
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