HC Deb 10 May 1956 vol 552 cc126-8W
Mr. Bartley

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement regarding the prospective redundancy at Birtley Royal Ordnance factory.

Mr. Maudling

There has been a decline in orders for shells and cartridge cases placed on the Ministry of Supply both by Service Departments and by other customers. The industrial strength at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Birtley, which was greatly increased during the period of rearmament, is now considerably greater than can be supported by the future level of business and it has become necessary to discharge 350 work-people during May and June. Every effort will be made in collaboration with the local Ministry of Labour and National Service officers to help those discharged to find other work.