§ 23. Sir Stanley Reedasked the President of the Board of Trade whether in requisitioning factories for national purposes, special consideration will be shown to firms which, having been bombed out of their premises, have re-established themselves in less vulnerable areas?
§ Mr. LytteltonIn considering what factories in production can best be released for national purposes, regard must be had primarily to the suitability of the labour and premises and to the relative importance of the present output of the factory for the prosecution of the war. The fact 338 that bombed-out firms have moved to new premises in less vulnerable areas cannot in itself be regarded as a reason for protecting them against requisitioning, and I propose in the near future to take steps to prevent, except under licence, the acquisition of new premises by private firms.
§ Sir S. ReedIs not my right hon. Friend aware that some of these firms have shown very great courage and very great enterprise in re-establishing themselves, that they have trained and fully equipped local labour, often evacuees in these areas, and that, therefore, it is in the national interest that they should not be disturbed unless it is imperatively necessary to do so in the interests of the prosecution of the war?
§ Mr. LytteltonThat is exactly what I said. Of course, if firms are engaged in work which is necessary for the prosecution of the war, we shall protect them against requisitioning.
§ Mr. Neil MacleanIs not the supplying of the needs of the civilian population of the country, many of whom are engaged in war work, something that ought to be considered, and will the right hon. Gentleman give a definite answer with regard to the stoppage or closing down of firms which have been bombed out and have re-established themselves in other areas?
§ Mr. LytteltonSupplies for the civilian population are, of course, necessary for the prosecution of the war.