§ Mr. Goldieasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware of the anxiety felt by workers in a certain aircraft factory in the North-west area at the proposed transfer elsewhere consequent upon the substitution of American personnel; and what steps he proposes to take to find employment for such skilled workmen in the area adjacent to their present place of employment?
Mr. Ben SmithMy right hon. Friend is aware of the anxiety of the workers in question. I myself recently visited the factory concerned and explained to the workers the circumstances in which it had become necessary for them to be transferred to other employment. I informed them that, so far as is practicable, it is the intention of the Ministry of Labour and National Service and my Department, to transfer them to work in the aircraft industry, and further that every effort would be made to place those with domestic responsibilities within reasonable distance of their homes.