§ 23. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Aircraft Production why hundreds of employés are being discharged from aircraft factories at a time when aircraft are most urgently required?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonWhile the total number of persons in, and the output of, the aircraft industry continues to increase, it is true that, as a result of developing methods of production and the introduction of women labour, there are, in some aircraft factories, men who are, or who will become, available for alternative employment. Actual discharges are made only with the permission of a national service officer under the Essential Work Order. It will be appreciated that changes in the article under construction in order to meet modern operational requirements are necessary, particularly with aircraft, and that when this occurs a period involving the release of some labour is inevitable.
§ Mr. ManderIs not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in aircraft factories at the apparent lack of co-ordination and because the workers object to being paid for doing nothing? Will the Minister alter those conditions or make it clear to the workers why they are being paid for doing nothing?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI am making arrangements for explanations to be given to the men, but it is sometimes a little difficult to do so. If we were able to go on with a perfectly plain programme, all would be well, but sometimes machines are stopped because they are not operationally required