§ 43. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that 2,000 men were laid off on 18th November at the Jaguar works, Coventry, following a trade dispute in a firm concerned with the supply of axle units; and if he will consult motor manufacturers and trade unions regarding structural changes which may be necessary in the motor industry as a whole to limit the damage done to production and employment as a result of local and limited disputes which have the ramifications illustrated by the lay-off at Coventry.
§ Mr. JayThe dispute which led to the laying off of men at the Jaguar works was settled, with the assistance of the Ministry of Labour, on 21st November and these men were able to resume employment on the 25th November. I am very conscious that the production of vehicles, including vital production for export, may be held up by disputes in firms which supply components. I am not convinced that changes in the structure of the industry are the best solution.