§ 24. Mr. Kirbyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. D. Napier and Sons are in the process of closing down their wartime factory at Liverpool, and that it is anticipated that some 7,000 workers will become redundant; and whether his Department has any scheme for the continued use of this modern and efficient factory and personnel that will prevent the threatened unemployment and assist in meeting the country's peace-time requirements.
§ Mr. LytteltonIt is intended to continue aero-engine production permanently on a substantial scale in this factory, and arrangements are being made for civilian production in such parts of the factory as may be surplus.
§ Mr. KirbyWill my right hon. Friend make the decision more clear in regard to the probable number of people to be employed there? Is he aware that the firm tell the workpeople one week about the number of people who are to be kept on, and then the next week they say that they do not know anything about the future?
§ Mr. LytteltonIf the hon. Member will put the question down, I will give a more precise answer about the numbers. I do 666 not know as yet what numbers will be absorbed by the civilian production to which I have referred.
§ Mr. KirbyCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many people are going to be employed on aero-engine production?
§ Mr. LytteltonI cannot do that without notice.
§ Sir Alfred BeitWhat are the grounds for assuming that directly a war factory is closed the employees will be without work? Is there not plenty of other employment available?