HC Deb 08 May 1940 vol 360 cc1228-9
54. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Minister of Supply whether the establishment of the area organisation is now complete?

Mr. Burgin

The establishment of the Area Organisation, as originally envisaged, is now complete. Representative members on the 12 Area Boards have been nominated by the Admiralty, Air Ministry, Ministry of Supply and Ministry of Labour and National Service, and the secretaries have taken up their duties. The employer and trades union members of the 23Area Advisory Committees have also been appointed and the necessary arrangements have been made for headquarters administration in the Ministry of Supply.

Further, with a view to the interests of the export trade being considered at the same time as Service needs, it has now been agreed that a representative of the Board of Trade shall be added to each of the Area Boards. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, is proceeding to make the necessary appointments, some of which have already been made.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance to the House that all manufacturers and others will have their applications considered properly?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir. It is exactly what I hope will result from the area organisations. When hon. Members have applications made to them seeming to show that the capacity is available for the national effort they should refer them to the area committee in their neighbourhood.

Mr. Maclean

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to publish a list of these area committees?

Mr. Burgin

Yes, Sir, I think that has been done already, but if there is any need to do it again, I will do it through the Official Report.