5. Colonel THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions how many men and women are now under notice to leave their employment at the various shipyards, munition factories, and controlled firms; whether any efforts are being made to find them work elsewhere; and if the Government are considering the advisability of getting the men and women to work until after Christmas with the full rate of pay?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY Of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)No precise information can be given in reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question. Every effort is being made to ensure that early notification is given to the Employment Exchanges both of impending discharges and of openings for employment. The Government are also removing, wherever possible, the restrictions on the use of materials and on manufacture, with a view to promoting the revival of the normal industry of the country. In reply to the last part of the question, I may say that my right hon. Friend has issued instructions that, except in extreme cases, contracts are not to be cancelled abruptly, and that full consideration is to be given to the position of the workpeople involved. In many forms of munition work, however, such as the filling of various kinds of ammunition, the manufacture of explosives, and the early processes in the manufacture of shells and small arms ammunition, I understand it would be quite impossible to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion that work should continue until after Christmas.
Mr. T. WILSONHas the Department considered the advisability of working either shorter hours or for five days per week, so as to give employment to the people likely to be discharged?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, that is being considered.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs it not proposed in the larger factories where very large numbers are employed to give those employed some work where they now are?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, where it is possible to do so. It may require alteration and new plant before it is possible to do so, but every effort will be made.