§ 44. Mr. Mikardoasked the Minister of Supply how many persons have been dismissed on grounds of redundancy since the beginning of this year from Messrs. Short Brothers and Harland of Belfast.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussAbout 160.
§ Mr. MikardoCan my right hon. Friend say what is the reason for this redundancy? Is there no similar work among the great volume of work put out by his Department that can be put to this factory that would prevent redundancy?
§ Mr. StraussI can assure my hon. Friend we are doing everything we can to keep up the level of work—and, if possible, to increase it—at this very important aircraft factory.
§ Mr. George WardCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the reason for this redundancy was that the men belonged to breakaway unions?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir. The reason was the quite simple one that there was a slackening of work.