§ 28. Mr. Erskine Hillasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement as to the number and value of contracts placed in Scotland in the past three months?
§ Sir K. WoodThe records of contracts placed by my Department are not maintained on a geographical basis, and I regret, therefore, to be unable to furnish the information which my hon. and learned Friend requires. I am, however, able to say that, so far as the Special Areas in Scotland are concerned, contracts, excluding sub-contracts, to the total value of £686,000 were placed during the three months in question.
§ Mr. Erskine HillWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, 1384 which indicates a large increase in Air Ministry work in Scotland, may I ask, in view of the fact that for very proper reasons a great deal of that work has had to be placed in the west and centre of Scotland, he will give every facility for sub-contracts being spread over the east of Scotland, so that the whole of that country may benefit?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir, I will have regard to that consideration.