HC Deb 21 July 1942 vol 381 cc1418-9W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction, detailed information of which has been conveyed to him, at the headquarters section responsible for mechanical and electrical maintenance of Royal Ordnance factories, engineering factories, resulting in the resignation of several employees, owing to certain appointments in which persons of high technical skill have been superseded by persons obviously less well qualified for the work proposed; and whether he will make an inquiry into this?

Sir A. Duncan

Full inquiry has been made into this matter and I can discover no basis for the allegation of considerable dissatisfaction in the headquarters section of the Royal Ordnance Factories administration in question. One young man left to join the Royal Air Force, another was transferred to another post in the ordinary course of business and a third young man resigned because someone better qualified was appointed to a higher post. This latter appointment was made after careful selection.

Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will inquire into the case of a graduate of London University, File SK/82/1 (S.E.3), Ministry of Supply, details of which have been furnished him, who appears to have been unjustly dismissed from a certain Ordnance Factory and take steps to remedy the injustice?

Sir A. Duncan

I have carefully considered this case. I cannot accept the suggestion that the officer in question was unjustly dismissed. I regret that it was necessary that he should be retired. He has received the appropriate gratuity under the Superannuation Acts.

Sir C. Edwards

asked the Minister of Supply to what extent the surplus labour at the Government war factories in South Wales and Monmouthshire has been brought about by substituting 12-hour shifts for 8-hour shifts; and can he give the number of persons working regular 12-hour shifts at these factories?

Mr. Assheton

There has been no substitution of 12-hour shifts for eight-hour shifts at Royal Ordnance Factories in South Wales and Monmouthshire. At one Royal Ordnance Factory in this area, 300 persons are at present employed on a 12-hour night shift, but it is intended to substitute a three-shift system as soon as possible.