§ 16. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he has considered a telegram from a certain factory committee drawing attention to the impending dismissal of more than 100 skilled workers, when maximum production is required; and what steps is he prepared to take on the matter?
§ The Minister of Aircraft Production (Colonel Llewellin)Some skilled workers will unavoidably become redundant at this 1975 factory while a new type of equipment is getting into production. In conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, arrangements are being made for this labour to be suitably employed elsewhere.
§ Mr. GallacherWhy is it that there is never any consultation with the men in the factories, who are the most important factor in questions of this character? Have the men always to be treated as untouchables by the big white bosses up above?
§ Colonel LlewellinNo, certainly not, but it is a fact that the order for the type of store that was being made there has been finished, and there is no prospect of a further order for that type. I have seen that another order of another type has been given, but before the factory can be used for that there is some redundant labour. As we very much need it elsewhere for radio equipment, it will be transferred elsewhere and will still be doing very good service for the country.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister not face up to the point as to why the men, who are the most important factor as far as production is concerned, were not consulted and advised on the situation in the factory, and of the necessity for any change that had to be made?
§ Colonel LlewellinI think it would be well if they were advised. In fact, I went to two or three factories myself, and took the opportunity of explaining to the men what was happening. I think it is a good thing to keep them informed.