HC Deb 08 February 1939 vol 343 c938
47. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, seeing that the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields, and the surrounding districts, are areas not specially liable to attack in time of war, he will consider the setting up of Government factories in these areas so as to provide work for the large percentage of people who have been unemployed in thse areas for many years?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

I regret that there is little prospect of a Government factory being established in the area in question since the settlement of sites fm the factories contemplated under the Government programme has been practically completed. I am, however, advised that firms in the Tyneside area and at Sunderland are doing work to a substantial value for the Services, either as contractors or as sub-contractors.

Mr. Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have decided, in the event of war, not to evacuate women and children from this area, suggesting that there is a great margin of safety, and does he not agree that in the circumstances this would be an ideal site for establishing Government factories?

Mr. Morrison

There are many other considerations besides that of safety which have to be taken into consideration in connection with this subject.