HC Deb 14 March 1940 vol 358 cc1340-2
6. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the erection of new, and extension of existing, factories in the city of Coventry will involve the transference to that city of 40,000 additional workmen, which far exceeds the available housing accommodation and will create serious problems; and whether he will confer with other Government Departments concerned with a view to ensuring a distribution of such industries over parts of the country where there is still unemployment and where sites and other facilities are available?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware of the position at Coventry, on which I recently received a deputation from representatives of the local engineering employers, and my Department is at present engaged in a survey of present and future labour requirements. The decision to place additional capacity in the area was taken in the light of technical considerations, and my consultations with the other Departments gives me no reason to think that the arrangements already made can be altered. As the hon. Member knows, the possibilities of the areas to which he referred are always kept prominently before the Departments concerned.

Mr. Griffiths

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be in the general interest if these works were distributed to those areas where there are available sites and housing accommodation rather than to districts where there is enormous congestion?

Mr. Brown

Subject to technical considerations, certainly, and I have done all that I can to secure that.

7. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the migration of labour from one factory or workshop to another in the Midland area; whether he realises the injurious effect of this state of affairs on the vitality of production for war purposes; and whether any steps can be taken to prevent shadow factories attracting men long before organised production can be undertaken?

Mr. Brown

As my hon. Friend knows, I am at present discussing with representatives of employers and workpeople in the engineering industry the general problem of labour supply in relation to the war effort. The provision of labour, including the essential nucleus of skilled labour, for new factories, is one of the subjects under examination.

Sir P. Hannon

When will my right hon. Friend be in a position to make a statement on the subject?

Mr. Brown

There is a number of highly difficult questions, and we are discussing these with practical men. As soon as we get their advice I shall be able to make a statement.

Miss Wilkinson

Can we have an assurance that no regulations will be introduced to bind men to certain factories?

Mr. Brown

Certainly.

Mr. R. Gibson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the migration of skilled labour from Scotland into England?

Mr. George Griffiths

And that they never go back?

86. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of factories opened in Durham, Northumberland, the North Riding of Yorkshire and the Greater London areas, respectively, during 1939; and the number of persons that have been placed in employment?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Major Lloyd George)

For reasons of economy, publication of particulars of industrial development has been suspended during the war.

Mr. Stewart

Am I to understand that during the war the Government do not know how many factories are being set up, where they are set up, or the number of people who are placed in employment?

Major Lloyd George

The answer is that during the war publication has been suspended, and the information cannot be made available.

Mr. Stewart

Where can we get that information? Has not this House the right to know where the factories are being set up and the number of people who are being placed in employment?

Major Lloyd George

The reason is the question of economy, and as it involves a considerable number of staff to ensure publication, it has been suspended during the period of the war.

Mr. Stewart

Where can we get the information? May I have an answer to my Question?

Major Lloyd George

I cannot alter the answer that publication of these particulars has been suspended because of economy.

Mr. Stewart

On a point of Order. I am not asking for publication, but for information on the matters set out in the Question.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member will get the information if he asks the Minister.