§ 47. Captain Crawford Browneasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware that on several occasions promises of work under his Department were made to representatives of Northern Ireland; and whether he has any information to give on this subject?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)Armament orders of considerable value have already been placed with firms in Northern Ireland by the three Service Departments. Further orders are under consideration. Orders have also been placed for stores such as textiles. In addition, initial contracts have been placed in connection with an extensive building programme.
§ Captain BrowneWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask whether His Majesty's Government would consider setting up a factory in Northern Ireland for the purpose of extending the manufacture of armaments, in view of the fact that the position in Northern Ireland as regards unemployment has been so severe there—quite as severe as, if not worse than, in some parts of Durham and in South Wales?
§ Sir T. InskipMy hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that large orders have been placed, and I have informed him that other orders are now under consideration, subject, of course, always to satisfactory tenders.