HC Deb 10 March 1952 vol 497 c988
5. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Minister of Supply what has been the total number of working days lost each month from June, 1951, through sickness in all Royal Ordnance factories, as compared with the corresponding months of the previous year.

Mr. Sandys

As the answer contains a table of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Major Lloyd

As I am not yet able to see the figures, may I ask my right hon. Friend, in the meantime, whether he is satisfied with the situation that the figures portray, or whether he thinks some improvement is called for, and, if so, whether he will do anything about it?

Mr. Sandys

When my hon. and gallant Friend sees the figures, he will see that they do show some improvement.

Following is the answer:

The following table shows the total number of working days lost through sickness each month from June, 1951, in all Royal Ordnance factories, with the corresponding figures for the previous year:

that there is a large pool of unemployed labour—and very good labour—there which might well be used for this purpose?

Mr. Sandys

I share my hon. Friend's views. I have already had two meetings with the Minister of Commerce for Northern Ireland on this question, and we are to have further meetings in the very near future.