Mr. Gailacherasked the First Commissioner of Works how many dismissals from His Majesty's Office of Works depots, including Somerset House, have taken place; and whether, following the appeal to private employers to retain people in employment, any steps are being taken to secure alťernative employment for those persons dismissed, and to avoid further dismissals?
§ Mr. RamsbothamIndustrial employment in the Office of Works which is primarily a building Department, is subject to the constant fluctuations in em-664W ployment common to the building industry. Since the outbreak of the War 815 men of the various building and engineering trades have been recruited and 829 discharged from the 32 Office of Works building and engineering depots in London. The posiťion arising from the discharges has been discussed on the Departmental Joint Industrial Council with their trades union representatives and agreement has been reached.