§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Transport the number of workmen who have received notice of termination of service at the Stratford railway works; the number of men who have been transferred to other spheres of activity; and whether such men have received assurances that their pension rights have been safeguarded?
§ Sir J. ReithI am informed that 23 men at the Stratford works have received notice of termination of their services; 21 of these men have been found employment in other works. Forty-seven men from the Stratford works have been lent to outside firms for work of pressing national importance; these men will continue to receive the privileges, including pension rights, which they enjoyed whilst working at Stratford.
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§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the anxiety prevailing about the Stratford railway works, owing to the depletion of staff there; whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the fact that, although this is an up-to-date works department with efficient machinery and a staff eager to play its part, orders are slackening and the staff being, in part, transferred; and whether he will ensure that this practice ceases?
§ Sir J. ReithI understand that the railway company have fully discussed the position with the railway trade unions concerned who appreciate the necessity for the action which has been taken.