§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Minister of Labour how many workers, men and women, have been found redundant to requirements at an aircraft factory in the Northwest, the name of which has been supplied to him; how many such workers have been given notice to leave since 31st August; whether all concerned have had the cause of redundancy explained to them; whether work is available for those dismissed; and if he will give full particulars of the employment situation at this factory with a view to allaying public anxiety in the district.
§ Mr. BevinBetween 2,500 and 3,000 workpeople are expected to become available at the factory in question over a1142W period of about five months; it is not possible at this stage to divide this figure between men and women. So far, about 300 men and 550 women have been given notice. The position has been explained to the workpeople's associations concerned and to the shop stewards at the factory who are co-operating with my officers in the arrangements for finding alternative employment for the workpeople released, in regard to which, no general difficulty is anticipated.
§ Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Minister of Labour, what steps have been taken to meet the requirements of a firm in Lewes, of which he has been informed, who asked for permission from his Ministry to discharge redundant and unwanted employees to whom the firm has been compelled to pay wages over many months; and what assurance he can give that other employers shall not be placed by his Ministry in a similar position of having to retain unwanted employees.
§ Mr. BevinThis firm applied in January and in May of this year for permission to discharge two women on the ground of redundancy. Permission was refused by the National Service Officer and his decision on each occasion was upheld by the Local Appeal Board. The firm applied again on 29th June for permission to discharge them and this was again refused in the first instance. Permission was finally given in September. With regard to the first two applications these were properly dealt with in accordance with the Essential Work Order. I regret that there was delay in dealing with the third application and I have issued instructions which I hope will prevent such delay occurring in future cases.