HC Deb 11 April 1940 vol 359 c687
11. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is any Department at the Ministry engaged in examining the industrial situation likely to prevail after the termination of the war; and the measures that may be required to meet the same?

Mr. E. Brown

The general subject mentioned by the hon. Member involves many financial, economic and commercial factors which could not appropriately be dealt with by a branch of my Department. The aspects of post-war problems which particularly concern my Department are constantly borne in mind but it would be premature for me to attempt to formulate definite lines of action with regard to this at the present time.

Mr. Adams

Could not the Minister out of his omniscience give a general notion of what the situation will be at the end of the war?

Mr. Brown

This is a case in which I am not omniscient.

Mr. Hicks

If it is correct that many Departments are interested, are the various Departments concerned formulating some examination of this matter?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will read the Prime Minister's answer to a Question on that point. I will send him the reference.