§ 36. Miss Wilkinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will undertake a rapid survey in order to ascertain to what extent the sudden rise in commodity prices is due to the uncoordinated commandeering of the productive supply of certain industries by Government Departments; and whether it is possible to ease the situation by organising a definite supply of rationed necessities for civilian use?
§ Mr. StanleyIn answer to a question by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on 18th October, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply described the coordination machinery set up to deal with priorities, which is, of course, subject to any general directions given by the economic organisation described in the House by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the same day. Under that machinery, arrangements are already being made to allocate productive capacity and raw materials for civilian uses, including exports.
§ Miss WilkinsonHowever beautiful the plans are, is it not a fact that they are not working very well; and could the right hon. Gentleman look into the way in which the productive capacity of certain industries is being hampered?
§ Mr. StanleyI am having discussions with various industries, primarily with regard to exports, and I shall also take up any questions on other civilian use.