§ 65. Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Supply why, out of a recent contract for approximately 100,000 Mark III folding bedsteads, only 17,000 were placed with associated firms in the Birmingham area, having regard to the fact that approximately 85 per cent. of the established trade is in that area and experienced workpeople not suited to other trades are at present not fully employed?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe restriction of the orders placed with the Birmingham firms was due to man-power requirements in the Birmingham area. The Metallic Bedstead Manufacturers' Association were informed of the proposed restriction before the orders were placed.
§ Mr. HiggsIs the Minister aware that labour has been imported into Birmingham? Could not local labour be brought in, to save such transfer of labour?
§ Sir A. DuncanA great many of the firms are engaged on important Government work.