§ 28. Mr. STUART RUSSELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what specific steps, if any. have been taken by the Government during the last 12 months, by pressure on individual firms or otherwise, to secure a greater decentralisation of our aeroplane manufacturing industry and to facilitate the transfer of individual companies to localities where they would enjoy relative immunity from attack by enemy bombers; and whether the Government will consider the advisability of creating a compensation fund for the decentralisation of the aeronautical industry on the lines of that set up by the French Government in 1932?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI cannot at present say more than that the very important issues raised by my hon. Friend have received, and are continuing to receive, the most careful consideration. I may, perhaps, add that the most pressing problem at the present time is to secure the production of the very large numbers of aircraft and engines required over the next two or three years without delay or dislocation.
§ Sir W. BRASSWill my right hon. Friend make these orders dependent upon the suggestions made by the hon. Member?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI should like to see that question put upon the Paper.