§ 48 and 49. Mr. Pentlandasked the Secretary of State for War (1) why the established custom, which existed under the former Minister of Supply, of joint consultation with representatives of employees engaged in Royal Ordnance factories has not been recognised by him;
(2) in view of the large number of employees who have left the Royal Ordnance factory at Birtley, County Durham, why replacements are not being made.
§ Mr. ProfumoThese employees have not been replaced because the present volume of work at this factory does not justify fresh recruitment. There have been no changes in the arrangements for joint consultation in any of the Royal Ordnance factories since the War Office assumed responsibility for these establishments.