BRITAIN'S SHELL OUTPUT

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 149, 25 June 1915, Page 7

BRITAIN'S SHELL OUTPUT

CAI BE DOUBLED IN A FEW DAYS # viEASWtES TO SECURE WORKERS . , T LONDON, 24th June. In the H<jse of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George pointed out that coal was . the basis of alhigh explosives. Hence the consequence of a shortage might ba. calamitous. He had secured returns of the machinery in most of the engineering firms \ the 'United Kingdom, and would be shortly able to estimate thp maximum Oiout of shells, though it would take months to secure this. We can doiile the present supply in a few days if there is an adequate supply of skilled'abour. When I suggested the possibility of compulsion to the leaders of th<trade unions, they aaked for seven days to enlist the necessary men, The ww e machinery of the Government has been placed at their disposal, and the sevy days will ba/in to-dax. ffhc*& eslia^acia tbia -yplturtagx

army will be subject to compulsion, The Bill also provides machinery to deal with those habitually absenting themselves. A Munitions Court will be established, with an employer and a trade union representative as assessors, the court to have power to inflict penalties. _ Mr. Lloyd George added that the trade union leaders properly insisted on their share of the bargain. Accordingly, the Bill limits the profits of an establishment working for the State. Practically, the State assumes control of the profits, and any suspension of the regulations will not benefit the employers. He added that machine-guns had proved to be the most formidable weapons in the war. They had almost superseded the rifle, and almost rendered the rifle unnecessary. Mr. Lloyd George thanked the Labour leaders for their support, and said he thought it was not necessary to compel the workmen, though if it was impossible to get the necessary labour by voluntary means, the State must have recourse to compulsion. He did not believe a single worker would refuse if told that they were wanted to save the country. The difficulty was the employers, some of whom actually demanded compensation for allowing their workmen to go. , He concluded amid loud and prolonged cheers, and some clapping of hands. Captain F. Guest, on leave from the front, said that the Bill would be hailed in the trenches" with high relief, but he believed that national service for everybody was essential. The recruiting system was unfair, undiscriminating, and expensive. The speech made a marked impression in the House. - Mr. Asqnith immediately rose, and suggested that the present was not the time to discuss the very serious topic Captain Guest had raised. The Bill was read for the first time.