asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that at a royal ordnance factory a number of highly-skilled men have received notice terminating their employment owing to shortage of work; whether this is due to excessive contracts being placed with private firms; and whether steps are being taken to retain the services of these men in Government employment?

Colonel Lewellin:

No, Sir. No skilled men have recently been discharged by the royal ordnance factory in question on account of shortage of work.

Do I understand from the reply that skilled craftsmen are not being discharged, and has the hon. and gallant Member taken the trouble to inquire at the ordnance factory?

Naturally inquiries are always made from the factory concerned before a reply of this sort is given. No men have been discharged owing to lack of work. It is true that there have been a few discharges of people for being bad time-keepers and reasons of that sort, but none through shortage of work.