§ Mr. KENNEDYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is proposed to establish a system of short-time working at His Majesty's Factory, Gretna; if so, whether it is the intention by this means to share the work among all the old employés; whether it is proposed to confine employment to ex-service men; and whether men who served in the mercantile marine or the Royal Naval Reserve are not to be regarded as ex-service men?
Mr. YOUNGI have been asked to answer this question, in view of the fact that His Majesty's Factory, Gretna, is now in the hands of the Disposal and Liquidation Commission for sale. In view of necessary economies, it is, I fear, impossible to find employment for all the old employés of His Majesty's Factory, Gretna. In order to provide some employment for as many of them as possible, a system of short time employment on an hourly basis has been adopted. Priority of employment is given to ex-service men, but in an establishment such as Gretna it is necessary to employ certain technical labour. With reference to the last part of the question, this ought, I think, to depend upon the individual record of service in the War area. I shall be glad to have inquiries made if the hon. Member has in mind any special cases of individual hardship.