§ 46. Mr. A. Jenkinsasked the Prime Minister whether the Government has any plans prepared, or in course of preparation, for carrying out public works in the event of the industrial situation growing worse?
§ Sir J. SimonI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 28th October to the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson).
§ Mr. JenkinsDo I understand from that reply that no plans have been prepared or are now in course of preparation?
§ Sir J. SimonNo, Sir, I do not think that that would be a correct deduction. If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to look at the reply to which I referred he will see what was then said.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsDoes my right hon. Friend remember that the public works executed between 1929 and 1931 were causes of the slump?
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister, in reply to a question, has said that he will consider the propriety of preparing schemes of this kind, and are the Government now in a position to present such schemes?
§ Sir J. SimonI had in mind the fact that the answer of the Prime Minister was quite consistent, but I think it would be better to leave this matter as one that will come within the scope of the Debate to-day.