§ 35. Mr. McKinlayasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that furniture manufacturing firms of old standing in Scotland are being refused schedules and specifications by his Department; who drew up the list of approved firms; and who was responsible for the exclusion of Scottish firms?
§ Mr. HicksGovernment contracts for woodwork are now being placed only with 1517 those firms whose retention in the woodworking industry is considered to be essential to the war effort. The compilation of the list, which of course involved the omission of English and Welsh as well as Scottish firms was undertaken by the Industrial Capacity Committee on which the main Government purchasing Departments are represented.
§ Mr. McKinlayDid consultations take place with any authority in Scotland as to who were the competent firms for carrying out Government work, and why are restrictions being placed on competent firms to quote for Government contracts?
§ Mr. HicksA considerable surplus capacity exists in the industry, and much of it will have to be restricted. The services so released will be devoted to other war work.
§ Mr. McKinlayCan I have an answer to my Question? Has any competent person in Scotland, who knows Scotland and who is a competent contractor, been consulted in regard to the compilation of the list?
§ Mr. HicksI can only say that each country, Scotland, England and Wales, was consulted by the Industrial Capacity Committee and that the names which have been reserved have been reserved after discussion.
§ Mr. McKinlayI shall have to give notice that I shall raise this matter again at the earliest possible moment.