HC Deb 23 March 1939 vol 345 cc1430-1
13. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Labour what are the arrangements under which his Department is regularly consulted by the other State Departments with regard to the placing of Government contracts?

Mr. E. Brown

The placing of individual contracts is a matter for the Contracting Department concerned and consultation with my Department in such cases is neither necessary nor desirable. It is, however, the policy of the Government to secure that in the allocation of contracts a preference is given, other things being equal, to areas suffering from severe and prolonged unemployment. It is the responsibility of my Department to determine these areas.

Mr. Davidson

Does the Minister not think it would be at least advisable, in view of the very heavy unemployment in Scotland, that negotiations or consultations should take place between the Ministry of Labour and other Government Departments, with regard to available labour and other questions, in order that Scottish contracts may be placed with Scottish firms?

Mr. Brown

That is a very different question, and if the hon. Member puts it down I shall be very glad to answer it.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past three years Scottish firms and workers have found it difficult to gain employment on Government schemes in Scotland?

Mr. Brown

I do not think the figures show that over the whole field. I think it might be found that in regard to par- ticular classes of work and some Government contracts, the proportion of Scottish firms would rank very high indeed.

Mr. Hicks

Does that mean that Scottish contractors would not come to England and take English contracts?

Mr. Brown

It does not mean that. It means that in some particular industries which take Government contracts there has not been up to the present the same amount of Government work in Scotland comparatively as in England.

Mr. Davidson

In view of his last statement, may I ask the Minister is he aware that Scottish contractors cannot get the opportunity of quoting for Government contracts in Scotland, never mind England?

Mr. Brown

I am not aware of that. If the hon. Member has any knowledge that it is the case, I shall be glad to have information from him. All other things being equal, preference is given to areas suffering from severe unemployment.