§ 31. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the establishment of a Royal Air, Force defence camp in Lancashire, in view of the great industrial importance of that area?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind, but as at present advised I doubt whether the establishment of such a camp in Lancashire is likely to prove practicable.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIn view of the very large population there and in view of the industrial interests involved there, will it not be a big handicap if there is no camp at all in Lancashire?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERMy hon. Friend will appreciate the fact that in fixing the sites for aerodromes one must be guided by strategic considerations.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs it the case that there is to be a camp in Yorkshire, but not in Lancashire?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI can assure my hon. Friend that I have taken no personal decisions in these matters.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not the best place for an aerodrome, Campbeltown in Kintyre?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIn considering this problem, will the right hon. Gentleman keep in touch with the Ministry of Labour to see whether Lancashire cannot get something better than a defence camp?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have already explained that, in regard to all the work we are doing, we are in the closest possible touch with the Ministry of Labour, and, while strategic considerations must govern the selection of sites, we are trying in any work which is undertaken to employ as many people from distressed areas as possible.