§ 61. Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Lord Privy Seal whether public contracts are regularised in such a way as to reduce unemployment to a minimum; if not, whether in future such regularisation will be adopted?
§ Mr. MACNAMARAI have been asked to reply. The question of regulating public contracts, with a view to reducing unemployment, has from time to time formed the subject of careful consideration and has recently been discussed in detail with the various contracting Departments. Any attempt to interfere with the ordinary method of placing contracts in order to reduce unemployment must be undertaken with caution; otherwise the effect may easily be to increase the contract price and delay delivery without increasing the volume of employment. Moreover, during the War, and to a less degree since, no adjustment of Government contracts for the purpose suggested has been necessary or possible. I realise, however, the importance of laying plans for the future in this connection, and hope that it may be possible to make arrangements with a view to meeting the object which my hon. Friend has in mind.