§ 7. Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the concern felt by foundries and engineering firms Scotland that similar firms in England are now offering immediate delivery of cookers and other parts, for which workshop space and plant is available in Scotland; and whether, for these and other industries, he will give an assurance that Scottish workers directed to England for essential war work will, on becoming available for the manufacture of peace-type products, be made available to such industries in Scotland, before they are transferred in England to such work.
§ Mr. BevinI am not aware of any general concern such as is suggested, and I understand that Scotland has been given a substantial proportion of the total production of housing fitments so far allocated. Existing arrangements for reallocating war workers provide for their return home so far as this is possible, having regard to the heavy demands for work of immediate urgency which are still current.
§ Mr. WoodburnWhile these firms generally agree that war work must come first, is my right hon. Friend aware 1510 that certain firms are being asked to proceed with the manufacture of meters, cookers, and other things required for homes, that the girls formerly employed are now in England, and that these firms are concerned about the girls being transferred to work on peace-type products in England, instead of being allowed to come home? If he could assure us that that matter was being attended to it would be an advantage.
§ Mr. BevinI will attend to it; but it is rather striking that the girls who have been transferred to England are not showing a keen anxiety to go back to Scotland.