§ 11. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that a number of women were taken into a factory, the name of which has been passed to his Department, some five weeks ago as trainees, and they complain that during this period they have done little, if any, work, and that one of them was dis- 1831 missed, with two hours' notice, for asking for work; and whether he will hold a special inquiry into the conduct of this factory?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Montague)As part of their training, and also to lessen the risk of material being spoiled, it is necessary that trainees, during the earlier stages of training, should spend some time watching the work on which they are to be employed. I do not regard this as time wasted. The worker to whom it is believed my hon. Friend refers was dismissed for disciplinary reasons; and in view of this explanation no further inquiry is considered necessary.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the hon. Member aware that none of these trainees saw any work being done on the benches, and in that case they could not benefit by the experience of other people?
§ Mr. MontagueI am not aware of that, and it is not embodied in the original Question, but if the hon. Member will give particulars, I will look into the matter.
§ Mr. EdwardsIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.