§ Mr. Boothasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that 1,600 draughtsmen employed in the shipbuilding industry and who are not in dispute with their employers have been locked-out for the past eight weeks by the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation, and that the Engineering Employers' Federation have agreed not to employ those seeking alternative work as a result of the lock-out; if he will cause an investigation to be made to ensure that such action is not in breach of any contract which his Department has placed with such firms; and if he will ascertain the effect on cost and timing of contracts.
§ Mr. MasonI am aware of this lockout, and of the advice given by the Engineering Employers' Federation to its members. Such action is not in breach of any contract which my Department has placed with the firms concerned. It is too early to say what if any will be the effect on the cost and timing of these contracts.