§ Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now satisfied that labour on the air-frame side of the aircraft industry, is fully employed; and what was the result of the joint inspection of such labour carried out by his Department and the Ministry of Aircraft Production?
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§ Mr. BevinA number of joint inspections of air-frame factories have been carried out by the Ministry of Aircraft Production and my Department. The reports of the Inspectors are under consideration and measures have been and are being taken to transfer any surplus labour to other work of national importance, including other air-frame factories which are in need of such labour. Further joint inspections are in progress.
§ Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is satisfied with current aircraft output in this country; and whether any of the factories engaged on the work are working the full 24 hours a day?
§ Mr. MontagueNo, Sir. I can never be satisfied on this matter. Although the current output of aircraft in this country is good, it is my constant endeavour, as it is of the aircraft industry, still further to increase the rate of production. As to the second part of the Question, while it is not yet practicable for aircraft factories to work the full 24 hours a day, long hours on two shifts are the general rule throughout the industry.