AFFAIRS IN BRITAIN.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16272, 24 July 1918, Page 8

AFFAIRS IN BRITAIN.

MUNITION WORKERS' DISPUTE. (By Cable.—Pre s« Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N. 2. Cable Association.) * LONDON. July 22. The Ministry of Munitions states that a mass meeting at Birmingham threatened to "down tools".oif July 24th unless the Ministry withdrew its embargo on the employment of skilled workers. Meanwhile, negotiations are proceeding at Coventry. j The Ministry pointed out that it could not carry on the .supply of munitions with an embargo in certain cases and without reasonable powers to distribute skilled workers according to vital war needs. The Ministry has'issued a proclamation at Coventry. Birmingham, and Manchester, declaring that the dispute is not an ordinary one. but an attempt to overthrow the policy of State control. . . . The stoppage will injure'our cause< m one of the most critical battles of the The Ministry calls on all patriotio workers to remain at work. (Received July 23rd, 10.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 22. The Coventry ammunition workers have decided strike pending a National Conference. LONDON, July 22. Mr John Hodge, Minister of Pensions, speaking at Middlesborough,- announced that ..he would leave the Labour Party because he was no longer able to support the party's programme. He thought tho time had arrived to take a'vote whether to continue their affiliation. Ho did not believe the party represented the country's trade union feeling. It was monstrous to think that we could impose no indemnities for the fiendish crimes Germany had committed oi land and sea. A committee of the London County Council recommends a vast _ housing scheme ' involving an expenditure of £3600,000. • It is estimated that over 500 people in London and 5000 in Ensland and Wales died of influenza during the last fortnight.