HC Deb 15 March 1937 vol 321 cc1640-1
80. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what instructions have been issued by him to the companies managing shadow factories to prevent their enticing personnel from the established aircraft industry and dislocating the manufacture of aircraft for the expansion scheme?

Sir P. Sassoon

My Noble Friend recently discussed with a deputation from the Society of British Aircraft Constructors certain difficulties which may arise over the employment of skilled labour in the expanding aircraft industry. It was agreed that the subject was one which could best be dealt with within the engineering industry itself, and I have no doubt that the result will be satisfactory.

Mr. Simmonds

Is it not a fact that the Secretary of State for Air gave the representatives of the industry no satisfaction whatever in this matter, and is it not a fact that at the present moment the industry is drifting into a state of confusion?

Sir P. Sassoon

I do not agree with that at all.

Mr. Garro Jones

Does this come under the same co-ordination as the action of the Air Ministry in enticing civil servants from other Government Departments?

Sir P. Sassoon

I do not know to what the hon. Gentleman is referring.