§ 46. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether railway workshops, in which the employés 342 are on short-time or in which the plant is not working to full capacity, are being used for the production of armament requirements or of the component parts of armament requirements?
§ Sir T. InskipRailway shops are not being used at the present time for the production of armament requirements, but the possibility of their use is under active consideration.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are some factories working very long hours overtime, while railway shops close at hand, which could do the work, are working short-time, and the workers being dismissed? Will he look into the question?
§ Sir T. InskipI am looking into it. I would welcome any information which the hon. Gentleman could give.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs there any possibility of an arrangement being made between the several Government Departments, whereby skilled engineers in railway works who are dismissed because of lack of work can be transferred to rearmament factories for employment?
§ Sir T. InskipThat is one of the questions which will be dealt with, if it is thought worth while, by the two bodies which, as the hon. Member knows, are conducting negotiations.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Minister aware that any skilled engineers who are being dismissed in the engineering shops of this country have only to acquaint the headquarters of the Amalgamated Engineering Union, 110, Peckham Road, which will at once see that they are employed?