§ 79. Mr. P. Bartleyasked the Minister of Supply the number of persons who have been discharged as redundant at Birtley ordnance factory during the six months ended at the most convenient recent date, giving the numbers of men and women employees separately; of this number how many have been reemployed in other employment; and what are the prospects of any such persons who have not been re-employed being provided with employment.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussFive hundred and ninety-one men, and 37 women, were discharged as redundant from this factory during the six months ended 18th March. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that 395 men and eight women registered for employment at the local offices in the vicinity of Birtley and so far 164 men have been placed in other employment. The employment exchange service of the Ministry of Labour is giving all possible assistance to the remainder to obtain suitable employment, but the prospects for some of the older less fit men are restricted.