§ 64. Sir William Jenkinsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the Metalclad, Limited, works at Neath have been closed since 13th December last, involving 187 men; that this company were producing machinery and assembling bodies manufactured for the Air Ministry; and will he consider the re-opening of these works, as the people employed are in a distressed area?
§ Earl WintertonThe firm referred to carried out machining work on bombs some months ago on a sub-contract for a main Air Ministry contractor. If and when further supplies of the same article are required, the main contractor will again be invited to tender, and both firms are being borne in mind for any work for which they may be suitable.
§ Sir W. JenkinsIs the Noble Lord aware that since the closing down of this industry, nearly 4,000 men have been thrown out of employment in the steel trade?
§ Earl WintertonYes, Sir, I was aware of that, and I was very sorry to hear it. I must point out, however, that these men were not employed on aircraft, but on certain portions of bomb making, and they were employed by a sub-contractor. The chances of their getting work in future will depend upon the work which they get to do in connection with subcontracts.