§ 46. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state what plans the Government have prepared to meet the threatened slump in industry?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that the country is threatened with a slump in industry, but if the hon. and learned Member has in mind the position which may arise when the Defence programme is completed, I can say that the Government continues to keep that point in mind. As the hon. and learned Member will be aware, the Defence programme is itself undergoing some expansion, but, apart from that, a circular was sent out in May to local authorities asking them to submit particulars of their capital works plans over a five-year period. Replies to this circular are steadily coming in, and are being collated for use when necessary.