§ 24. Mr. D. Griffithsasked the Minister of Supply in view of the increase of registered unemployed at Maltby from 128 to 256 between January and May, whether he remains satisfied that the rundown of work at the Royal Ordnance factory there is proceeding smoothly; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorWhile I much regret the recent increase in unemployment at Maltby, less than 100 of the 500 people who have left the Royal Ordnance factory since January are registered as unemployed. My right hon. Frieind is satisfied that the run down of the factory is proceeding as smoothly as can be expected of such an operation.
§ Mr. D. GriffithsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is not quite correct to say that it is running down very smoothly? Is he aware that temporary non-industrial workers are gravely concerned about this, because they have made applications to go to Blackburn, as have others from factories attached to Royal Ordnance factories, but they have been refused permission to go for interviews while other workers from the floor of the factory have been selected to go and have been chosen in their place? That includes men who have served from six to twenty years, and if that is satisfactory I should like to know what is unsatisfactory.
§ Mr. TaylorMy information is that about 90 of the established industrial employees are being transferred to the Royal Ordnance factory at Blackburn. All employees, both established and un-established, were offered an opportunity to transfer to Blackburn. No cases of individual complaint or hardship have been brought to my notice.