HC Deb 23 April 1956 vol 551 cc1420-1
2. Mr. Bence

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to ensure continuity of employment at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Dalmuir.

Mr. Maudling

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's Question on 15th March.

Mr. Bence

Could the right hon. Gentleman let us have some definite answer on the position of the Royal Ordnance Factory at Dalmuir, as the situation at present is causing a great deal of unrest and discontent in the district? Can he not give us an assurance that there will be employment at that Royal Ordnance Factory under the Ministry of Supply for at least the next five years?

Mr. Maudling

I wish I could give more information, but I think the hon. Member must realise that future prospects of employment on manufacturing tanks, for example, depend very much on export orders about which we cannot be certain until we get them.

Mr. Steele

But surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the general impression in Dalmuir and district is that the Ministry wants to close down this factory, without considering other factories engaged on Government work. Could he say something about the Ministry's policy?

Mr. Maudling

As I said in a previous answer to which I have referred, I do not at present foresee any need to discharge people during this year because there is enough work already on the books at Dalmuir to keep people employed until the end of the year. Beyond the end of the year I cannot foresee until I know the prospects for export orders.

Mr. Bence

In view of the ambiguous nature of the answer, I wish to give notice that I will take the first opportunity to raise this matter on the Adjournment.