asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can now give any further information in regard to the explosion at the munition works in the eastern counties?

There was a certain amount of damage to one or two works in the neighbourhood, and the factory itself suffered seriously. The loss of output is not, however, of serious importance. The lay-out of the factory was such that the magazines containing considerable quantities of explosives were not touched. I am glad to say that the arrangements for enabling the workers to get away quickly were so satisfactory that no one was injured.

asked what progress has been made in preparing the Westland Row premises as an examining and receiving depot; and when it is expected to be in operation?

A part of the Westland Row premises has been handed over to the War Department, and every effort is being made to prepare it for immediate use. The building cannot be entirely placed at our disposal until the present occupants, who are engaged upon war work, are able to transfer their plant, etc., to new premises which are in course of construction. Special priority certificates for the supply of materials have been obtained to expedite the completion of the new building with the object of hastening the complete evacuation of the Westland Row premises. It is impossible to name the date on which the examining and receiving depot will be in full operation, owing to the uncertainty as to the dates of delivery of material, etc.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware of the discontent in the National Shell Factory, Dublin; if he is aware that on Friday, 15th February, two carpenters were dismissed without notice for applying for the bonuses which they believed they were entitled to and is being paid to other men in the same employment for similar work; if he will cause inquiries as to why these men were ordered out of their employment and told to be outside the door in ten minutes; and if he will see that the bonuses shall be paid to them from April, 1917, as awarded by the Committee of Production?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. Carpenters in the Dublin National Shell Factory are receiving, and will continue to receive, all the bonuses to which they are entitled. No carpenters have been dismissed without notice. One carpenter received a week's notice on Friday, the 15th instant, as his work was considered unsatisfactory.