§ 27. Mr. Albuasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the loss of earnings by some workers at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, consequent on transference from productive work to day-rate jobs; and what steps he is taking to provide more productive work for this factory.
§ Mr. RamsdenThe main rifle programme has been completed, and there is now less scope for piecework at this factory. My right hon. Friend regrets that there is at present no prospect of getting fresh production orders for the factory on a scale that would alleviate this situation.
§ Mr. AlbuFirst, may I thank the hon. Gentleman for receiving my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, East (Mr. Mackie) and myself on this matter, and may I ask him whether he has yet been able to give consideration to the gross injustice done to a small number of men whose earnings have been reduced from £3 to £4 a week because of this transference?
§ Mr. RamsdenI have promised to write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as 576 I am ready to do so. Also, I discussed these matters with the union yesterday in the course of a routine meeting and I understand that the union is making representations in another direction. I would rather not be pressed to say more, but I will say to the hon. Gentleman that I will certainly consult with my colleagues to determine whether anything further can be done within the scope of existing legislation.