§ 45. Mr. E. Smithasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the growing feeling amongst all sections of people that the time has arrived for national planning in order that the resources of the nation can be developed and utilised in accordance with modern requirements; and will he consider the best steps to take to deal with this matter or appoint a select committee to consider and report as soon as possible on the best methods of achieving this object?
§ 50. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister whether he has had under consideration the most recent measures taken by the German Government in regard to industrial mobilisation, especially as concerns the planning of labour resources; and whether any similar measures are contemplated for this country?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)Questions relating to the development and use of the resources of the country, including all aspects of the problem of labour supply, are under the Government's constant consideration with a view to ensuring that the resources of this country are fully and effectively used. Many of them form the subject of special inquiries and are also the subject matter of much of the legislation which is presented to Parliament. I do not think there is anything to be gained by a general inquiry of the kind which the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) suggests.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherMay I ask whether, in these inquiries, the Government accept the point of view that the employment of labour resources must be planned in advance just as thoroughly as we plan for the Fighting Forces?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I think that is a view which all of us must hold.