101. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Supply the total number of employees in Royal Ordnance Factories; how this figure compares with the corresponding figure twelve months since; and what estimate he makes of the figure after reorganisation is complete.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesIn round figures, the total is 40,000 as against 46,500 twelve months ago. As regards the last part of the Question, I should prefer not to anticipate the announcement which I hope to make shortly about the Royal Ordnance Factories.
§ 102. Mr. Deerasked the Minister of Supply what number of employees, male and female, have been made redundant at the Royal Ordnance Factory. Maltby, since 1st May, 1957.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesThe numbers are none and 150, respectively.
§ 103. Mr. Mayhewasked the Minister of Supply what estimate he has made of the future level of employment at the Royal Ordnance Factories, Woolwich; and to what extent he anticipates redundancies.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesIn present circumstances it is not possible to make reliable estimates of the future level of employment at the Royal Ordnance Factories, Woolwich. Some redundancy in the next few months is, however, inevitable, although I cannot at present say how many employees will be affected.
§ Mr. D. Healeyasked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to maintain full employment at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Barnbow, Leeds.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesI have been making a comprehensive review of capacity in the Royal Ordnance Factories, 125W and I would ask the hon. Member to await a statement I hope to make in the course of the next two to three weeks.