§ 35. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Labour what investigations his Department is undertaking into the complaints that more staff than necessary are being kept on the pay rolls of Royal 2502 Ordnance and other factories making munitions; and when these investigations are likely to be completed.
§ Mr. IsaacsMy officers both regionally and locally, as part of their normal duties, bring to notice for proper action any instances in which there may be temporary under employment due to various causes, such as delays in the delivery of raw materials or components or uncertainty as to future contracts. In conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply I have taken and will continue to take all possible steps to see that staff is not retained unnecessarily.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the statement made in, amongst other places, "The Times" to the effect that this was very widespread, is any special investigation being undertaken?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. A special investigation has been undertaken and has been completed, and I am sure the House will be pleased to hear that whilst there were one or two instances of this, in the main no real case exists that would cause us to complain to employers of unnecessary retention.