Factory Workers (Absenteeism).

Oral Answers to Questions — Aircraft Production. – in the House of Commons at on 18 March 1942.

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Colonel Arthur Evans:

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that, on Saturday, 7th March, upwards of 500 personnel of an aircraft factory, with an excellent production record, near London, left their work without permission in order to attend a greyhound race meeting in the vicinity; and if he will take the necessary steps to see that such an action is not taken in the future?

Photo of Mr John Llewellin Mr John Llewellin , Uxbridge

Yes, Sir. I am aware that upwards of 500 workers who should have been at work on the afternoon in question absented themselves from work. I do not know whether any, or how many, of them went to a greyhound race meeting. The Works Production Committee is directing its attention to the absenteeism in general at the factory, and the National Service Officer is dealing with the particular case in question. I hope that those who absented themselves on this occasion will realise that their absence so dislocated the production line that, according to the best estimate I can make, it meant four fewer fighters that week for the joint needs of ourselves and our Russian Allies.

Colonel Evans:

In view of the grave and important statement my right hon. and gallant Friend has made, and in order to give the House an opportunity of judging the question in its wider aspects, I beg to give notice that I will draw attention to it on the Adjournment on the earliest possible date.