§ 26. Mr. Kirbyasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that Messrs. Wimpeys, of London, who are carrying out a building contract for his Department at Kirkby, near Liverpool, have recently discharged a number of employes who are residents in the district, at the same time retaining men in employment there who have come from other areas; and, in view of the heavy degree of unemployment in Liverpool and district, will he urge this firm to employ as much local labour as possible?
§ Sir K. WoodThe firm in question are erecting a balloon barrage station which is due for completion shortly. I understand that in order to accelerate progress at the beginning of the contract the firm transferred a small number of key men from other places, and as work has progressed some of these have been again transferred elsewhere and at the same time some locally engaged men have been discharged. Out of 481 men now employed on this contract I am informed that 426 live in or within 15 miles of Liverpool.
§ Mr. KirbyWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the last part of the question in relation to the letter which I sent to him regarding this matter?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir. My answer covers that. I think the hon. Member will agree that the proportion of the men living in, or within a reasonable distance 381 Of, Liverpool is a very considerable one, and he will appreciate that in all cases a certain number of key men have to be engaged.
§ Mr. KirbyIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the men about whom I wrote to him were local men, and that at the same time men who were not local men were kept on?
§ Sir K. WoodI think that was on account of the particular positions which they occupied, but I will look at the hon. Member's letter again, and communicate with him further.