asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that eight ex-Servicemen with more than five years temporary Government service, will be declared redundant at the Maintenance Unit, R.A.F. Branch in Newport, at the end of February; how many additional clerks in South Wales are required by Inland Revenue; and whether the above men will be offered some of these jobs, in place of the positions in temporary posts, at a reduction in pay and with no allowance for board and lodging that have hitherto been offered to them.

I understand that 20 men and women clerks, including eight ex-Servicemen, will become redundant as a result of closing the R.A.F. Maintenance Unit at Newport. All of these have been offered alternative employment at a Royal Air Force establishment at Bicester and five have accepted. I am informed that the Inland Revenue do not expect any vacancies for temporary clerks to occur in South Wales apart from those which result from normal staff wastage.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these men do not want to leave the camp in which they are now working because it would impose great hardship on them, particularly in finding housing and other accommodation; and may I ask him whether efforts could be made to find them other jobs in South Wales?

Yes, Sir. Efforts have been made and will continue to be made to find local employment of a suitable kind.