§ 16. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that, at a certain South Wales 1762 factory, some 90 men engaged upon aircraft production have been rendered idle for some time; that many thousands of skilled man-hours have been lost; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent this misuse of these national resources?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Montague)The firm referred to by my hon. Friend is not in direct contractual relations with my Ministry. I have ascertained that a shortage of materials at the firm's factory resulted in about 50 men being temporarily rendered idle. The supply position has now been remedied and all the men are back at work.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that because this matter was raised in the House of Commons this firm has had its contract cut by one half, and that only to-day the local Employment Exchange has been notified that a number of jigs had to be destroyed and that 60 skilled men will be unemployed at the end of this week?
§ Mr. MontagueI will look into that point, and I hope the hon. Member will consult with me.