HC Deb 18 March 1940 vol 358 c1636
51. Mr. Windsor

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the totally different classes of industry in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he will set up a separate supply committee for Hull?

Mr. Burgin

I should explain that in the first instance the Area Advisory Committees are to be restricted to the engineering and allied trades. So far as other industries are concerned, clothing and, where necessary, general stores are dealt with through a series of trade panels on a national basis and I do not think that a committee covering a particular area is either necessary or desirable at the present time. I am examining the question of setting up an advisory committee for the engineering and allied trades at Hull, but in the meantime any proposals which representatives of these trades in Hull may wish to make can be put to the East and West Riding Area Board for transmission to the Advisory Committee at Leeds, where I am satisfied they will receive every consideration.

Mr. Levy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these classes of industry in the West Riding of Yorkshire are as anxious as he is to retain the key men in their positions, in order to enable them to increase their output; and that despite the fact that he himself has asked for their release from the Army, these men are not getting their release, and therefore it is delaying the output of munitions in consequence?

Mr. Burgin

This is a question relating to Area Committees and whether one should be established in Hull. The releasing of men from the Army has nothing to do with the question.

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