HC Deb 08 February 1940 vol 357 cc386-7
24. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is active co-operation between his Department and the Ministry of Supply in respect to the location of factories for purposes of the war; and what are the steps taken to ensure that such factories are placed where labour is most available?

Mr. E. Brown

It is the accepted principle that, subject to any overriding strategic and technical considerations, new factories shall be located where labour is most available. There is active co-operation between my Department and the Ministry of Supply in this matter.

Mr. Lawson

Is the Minister aware that there is a very strong feeling that there is no direction in the allocation of industries, that contractors simply go where they like, irrespective of strategical considerations or anything else, and that then he has to bring the labour to where they plant their factories?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir. I do not think that any survey of the placing of factories in the last 3½ years would prove that to be the case at all. There is a liaison officer of the Ministry of Labour at the Ministry of Supply and before factory sites are decided upon we are consulted.

Mr. Lawson

Then how can the Minister explain why some parts of the North, particularly South West Durham, are completely ignored?

Mr. Brown

As I have pointed out, there are strategical and other considerations as well as consideration of supply of labour.