§ 42. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state from records kept by the War Office the amount of contracts and/or sub-contracts placed during the last two years, respectively, which went to the distressed areas?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe total value of contracts placed by the War Office with firms in distressed areas (including Special Areas) during the 12 months from 1st March, 1937, to 28th February, 1938, was £9,218,766, and for the corresponding period 1938–39, £17,858,626.
§ Mr. DayIs it hoped to increase these orders during the coming year because the unemployed in these areas are greatly dissatisfied?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIf there is the same ratio of increase they will be doubled again.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartCan the right hon. Gentleman indicate what proportion of this sum has gone to Scotland?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot improvise an answer to that question.
§ Sir Ronald RossWill the right hon. Gentleman also find out if any proportion has gone to Northern Ireland?