asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken in the munitions and building industries to reduce weekly hours of work to those, which experience shows, secure the optimum output; and whether uniformity of action is being secured for all Departments?

This is a matter which should be handled in detail by the production Departments through the managements of the firms concerned. It is impossible to get rigid uniformity, but steps have already been taken by the Ministry of Aircraft Production to reduce hours, and discussions are proceeding with the other production Departments.

Will my right hon. Friend answer the more specific part of the Question and say whether any Departments are not carrying out the recommendations that have been made?

In the case of the Ministry of Aircraft Production the matter has been disposed of, but in the case of the Ministry of Supply their production is so varied that you have to discuss industry by industry. There has been no refusal by any Department.