§ 80. Mr. James Griffithsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Essendon Committee that is investigating the question of redundancy in the tinplate trade, has been instructed to work upon the assumption that there is a permanent redundancy in the trade, and to bear this in mind in their recommendations; and, as a large number of communities are mainly dependent upon this industry, what provisions are being made to safeguard the community interest?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe Essendon Committee have been instructed to have regard 466 to the measure of redundant plant existing in the tinplate industry. Until the amount and location of the redundant plant are known, it is not possible to consider what steps may be necessary to ease the difficulties of those affected.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the Minister aware that the Essendon Committee are not only considering the redundancy due to war conditions, but are having regard to the question of a permanent redundancy? Will the Minister bear in mind that this is causing considerable concern, and will he consider whether the Committee ought to have the right to determine what should be done after the war?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe Committee have not yet made their report.