§ 42. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the decline in industrial production following the completion of the armaments programme, the Government have any plan in contemplation for dealing with the situation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI have been asked to reply. While it is true that armament expenditure is now adding materially to the volume of orders, the present prosperity is due in the main to deeper causes, and the Government will continue to work for its maintenance as they have worked in the past for its development. All aspects of the matter, including that suggested in the question, are being given continuous study.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes that reply indicate that the Government have no plan?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThe hon. Member must not assume that the present Government are as barren of ideas as a certain previous administration was.
Mr. J. J. DavidsonIs the increased Poor Law relief in Scotland a sample of the Government's prosperity plan?