§ Mr. Caryasked the Minister of Supply whether, as a point of public policy is raised by the non-retention of a skilled engineer at a Royal Ordnance Factory, he will state why the services of Mr. H. Edington were not retained as chief draughtsman; is he aware that Mr. Edington was in the employment of the former owners of the plant for 33 years, and at the time of the take-over by the Government was formally appointed to the incoming staff of the Royal Ordnance Factory?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanYes, Sir. Mr. Edington's appointment to the staff of the Royal Ordnance Factory was subject to one month's notice of termination on either side. Shortly after his appointment, it was found that Mr. Edington's experience as a locomotive designer had not rendered him suitable for the different class of work required of the senior draughtsman of the Ordnance Factory. I regret that on this account he could not be retained in the post and that it was not possible to make use of his services at any other Royal Ordnance Factory.