§ 8. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Aircraft Production why it is intended to close down an aircraft factory, particulars of which have been sent to him; and what reply has been sent in response to a letter of protest on behalf of the workpeople?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThis factory is being closed down and the work transferred in stages to other premises where it can be more efficiently executed. The management of the firm so informed the workpeople, the bulk of whom will be employed at premises very close to this factory. A small number is rendered redundant by this change.
§ Mr. ManderCan my right hon. and galant Friend say why it has taken 10 months to discover that this particular factory is unsuited for the purpose of manufacturing aircraft, and is he aware that the men concerned did not know on the day I put the Question down whether the factory was going to be closed, because a deputation waited upon me in order to find out?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonWe took on this factory when dispersal was the order of the day and was very important. As the winter approaches we find that this particular factory suffers from flooding, that the road approaches are not good, the position of the A.R.P. shelters is not satisfactory, and also that the canteen arrangements are bad. We have another factory to which we are going to transfer this particular work.
§ Mr. ManderThen the canteen arrangements have been bad for 10 months?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThere has been a lot of trouble for a long time.