HC Deb 03 November 1937 vol 328 c918
51. Mr. Whiteley

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the value of the orders placed by the Defence Departments in each of the past few years in Great Britain in the scheduled areas, and in each of the main groups of Special Areas, distinguishing between Tyneside and Durham?

Sir T. Inskip

The value of orders placed by the Defence Departments in Great Britain during the financial year 1936–37 was £195,666,900 and for the first six months of 1937–38 was £92,324,000. The values of orders placed during the corresponding periods in the Special and Distressed Areas were £52,840,000 and £29,048,400 respectively. I regret that it is not possible to give detailed figures for the orders placed in particular areas without an undue amount of labour.

Miss Ward

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the interests of the Special Areas it is of the utmost importance that we should know how much of that money is expended in the Special Areas, and will he consider asking the firms to whom the contracts have been allocated how much money has been spent in the Special Areas?

Sir T. Inskip

I am afraid that it would be quite impossible to expect the contractors all over the Kingdom to furnish reports as to the value of the subcontracts which they have made.