§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the De Havilland Aircraft Works, Hatfield, are engaged on Government contracts; whether he is aware that work at this factory is very scarce, a number of men having been dismissed and further dismissals being feared; and whether he can give the reason for these dismissals during the present rearmament programme?
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§ Sir K. WoodI am informed that the discharges from this firm during the last month amount to less than 2 per cent, of the productive labour strength, and have been effected as part of the normal adjustment of labour in works of this kind. I am unable to accept the hon. Member's statement that work at this factory is very scarce; the firm hold contracts from the Air Ministry for three types of aircraft and are at present fully employed.