§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether his attention has been called to a meeting of workers engaged in aircraft production in the Northwest, held on Saturday, 16th August, in a town notified to him, at which speakers employed in the factory, of which he has been informed, complained of idleness among men and machines due to inefficient management, etc.; and can he assure the House that the allegations made will be speedily investigated with a view 60W to securing the maximum output from the workers?
§ Mr. MontagueIt is inevitable when a factory is changing over from the production of one type of aircraft to another that a period will occur during which a percentage of the workpeople becomes temporarily redundant. This is the present position at the factory in question, but I can assure my hon. Friend that, prior to the meeting of workers to which he refers, arrangements had been made by this Department, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, for the release of all such redundant workpeople for immediate re-employment elsewhere. Releases of this kind have been made and are still continuing.