§ 24. Mr. Steeleasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why workers are being declared redundant at the R.N.T.F., 1463 Alexandria, while at the same time work is being sent out from that factory to other firms under sub-contracts in areas where labour is in short supply.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasReduced foundry work at the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, may entail a slight reduction in numbers employed, but no men have yet been declared redundant. Every effort will be made to find alternative work in the establishment for the small number of men—unlikely to exceed six—who may be displaced from the foundry. No work is being subcontracted unnecessarily.
§ Mr. SteeleCould the Minister tell me if there has been a definite change of policy in this particular factory, because my information is that work which was previously done in the factory is now being sub-contracted to many other firms?
§ Mr. ThomasNo, Sir, there is no change of policy. In only one case has work which is within the capacity of the factory mentioned been sub-contracted to a private firm. In that case it was essential to maintain that particular firm's trade capacity which was required in addition to the work done by the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory mentioned in the Question.
§ Mr. SteeleWill the Minister have an Investigation made to make sure that the full capacity of this factory is utilised?
§ Mr. Thomas indicated assent.