§ 90 and 91. Mr. Pentlandasked the Minister of Supply (1) what he proposes to do about placing further orders at the Birtley, County Durham, Royal Ordnance Factory; and if he will make a statement on the future prospects at this factory;
(2) how many unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled employees at the Birtley, County Durham, Royal Ordnance Factory have been declared redundant since May, 1956; and what are the prospects for those still employed.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorSince May, 1956, 400 people have been declared redundant at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Birtley. Of these 58 were skilled and 342 non-skilled. I should add that on 19th April, 1956, 350 people were declared redundant and that they were discharged during the following May and June. My right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement about the future of the Ordnance factories in the near future.