asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints that, at a certain ordnance depot of which he has been informed, and at similar undertakings, it is the growing practice of contractors to suspend ex-servicemen over military age and to retain the services of young men of military age, who are instructed to apply for a six months' postponement of their calling-up on the alleged ground that their work is indispensable, whereas the real reason is they are paid a lower rate of wages than the older men; and whether he will institute an inquiry into practices of this kind with the object of preventing their continuance?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.