§ Mr. Markhamasked the Secretary of State for War whether there is now any shortage of skilled labour at the Nottingham gun factory; if so, what are the numbers involved; and what attempts are being made to secure sufficient men from other centres?
§ Mr. Hore-Belisha:There is at present a shortage of some 200 skilled men at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Nottingham, and a further 200 will be required shortly. The existence of these vacancies is advertised at all Employment Exchanges throughout the country and personal contact with all the more important exchanges is maintained by the factory staff. Various trade unions also notify the factory management of members who are or are likely to become unemployed, and steps are taken to interview such men.
In addition, the factory management keep in touch with the possibilities of discharges from other factories due to shortage of work, and take appropriate steps to recruit any suitable men available.