HC Deb 14 February 1945 vol 408 c202
19. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is now able to reduce the number of civilian skilled technicians and craftsmen employed by the Air Ministry works directorate on maintenance work on sites that have been placed on a care-and-maintenance basis and so enable them to be available to meet the needs of the civil population.

Sir A. Sinclair

The sites to which my hon. Friend refers must be held ready for operational use at short notice. The labour available for this purpose and for the maintenance of sites in use is less than is needed and I am afraid that a reduction would not be practicable in present circumstances.

Mr. Lipson

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it would be possible to employ some of these men concerned at least on part-time, in view of the fact that some of them are not at all fully occupied at present and of the considerable population in the area?

Sir A. Sinclair

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any men who are not fully occupied, I will look into the matter.

Mr. Lipson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have already sent such information?