§ 46. Mr. Loverseedasked the Minister of Supply the reason for the recent strikes and the present strike notice at a Royal Ordnance factory, of which he has been informed; why a report by Colonel W. A. Grierson, D.S.O., made two years ago regarding mal-administration at this factory was not acted upon or published; and whether he will institute a public inquiry into the past and present administration with a view to allocating responsibility for the wastage of large quantities of guns and war materials and the establishment of efficient management in the future.
§ The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)There was a misconception on the part of certain employees at the factory referred to as to the circumstances of the release for other important war work of certain tool room workers at the request of the District Man-power Board. The matter has been settled to the satisfaction of the Trade Union of the men concerned. The allegations made by Colonel Grierson in 1941 were investigated at the time. Subsequently, there was a further investigation by the Select Committee on National Expenditure, and I would refer the hon. Member to Section II of their 9th Report and Appendix 5 to their 14th Report, Session 1941–42.
§ Mr. ThorneWas any effort made to settle the trouble before the strike occurred?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, Sir, certainly.