§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Supply to what extent the rundown of Royal Ordnance factories has caused unemployment; to what extent his Department has helped to find established workers other employment; and whether he anticipates any expansion from the present position in using dormant capacity for the making of newer types of weapons and other suitable production for which he is responsible.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesThe effect on unemployment has been only marginal. All the established employees have a right to continued employment in the Government service, and every possible effort is being made to transfer them to the establishments of their choice. I hope that the factories will play an ever increasing part in work on the newer types of weapons, but we cannot expect this to make up for the rundown in other requirements.