§ 37. Mr. Mathersasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that men who had been passed for employment by his Department at the Regent Factory, Linlithgow, have been informed that, owing to a change of policy 2060 on the part of the Air Ministry, they are not now required; what change of policy is referred to; and what are the future prospects of employment for the men who have been medically examined and passed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadWhen work on the contracts placed with the factory referred to was first commenced, it was anticipated that detailed inspection by Air Ministry staff would be necessary. The development of the organisation and the methods of manufacture of the firm made it possible for adequate inspection to be provided by a smaller staff. In consequence, some men who had been passed as suitable for employment will not be required, and they have been advised to apply to the Regent Factory for employment.
§ Mr. MathersHas this preparatory recruitment by the Air Ministry militated against these men being employed on the productive side?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI am not aware of that. If the hon. Member thinks there is anything that should be brought to my notice on the point, perhaps he will do so.
§ 38. Mr. Mathersasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of men placed in employment by his Department in the Regent Factory, Linlithgow, since it reopened; how many of these men were previously resident in the county of Linlithgow; and how many were sent from England?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe answer to the first part of the question is 33; to the second part 16; and to the third part five.