§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware that the difficulty of His Majesty's Government in obtaining the services of an adequate number of skilled draughtsmen in connection with the armament programme is largely accounted for by the fact that the rates of wages offered are considerably below the minimum rates prescribed by the Association of Engineering and Shipbuilding Draughtsmen; and whether he will take steps to increase the rates of wages referred to?
§ Sir T. InskipAs regards the first part of the question, I am advised that the shortage of skilled draughtsmen is general. As regards the second part, I am advised that questions as to the wages of the class have been under consideration by the Service Departments with appropriate bodies and that certain adjustments have already been made.