HC Deb 17 December 1941 vol 376 cc1942-3
57. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply why the staff of a clothing firm, consisting of 250 girls, employed on Government work, at a factory of which he has been informed, were put on the Employment Exchange because they had no work and no orders; whether the production of clothing for the Services is adequate; and, if not, will he take immediate steps to ensure that this old-established unit is put to work again?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

Capacity for the production of clothing for the Services is more than adequate. As a consequence, a large number of firms, including the one to which my hon. Friend refers, have had to be removed from the Ministry of Supply's active list.

Sir W. Smithers

Will my hon. Friend see what he can do to transfer this old-established firm to other work of national importance?

Mr. Macmillan

It is easier in this case to transfer the employees. It is not so easy to transfer machinery for a purpose which is not desired.

Sir W. Smithers

Is not my hon. Friend aware that this is an old-established industry, working together as a unit, and that they are willing to do anything to serve the national interest rather than be broken up?

Mr. Macmillan

I am afraid this is an inevitable result of the policy of concentration of industry.