§ 58. Mr. Lawsonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that com plaints are being made that some factories are slowed down from time to time; that workmen engaged in such factories are criticising the conditions which reduces output; and what steps he is taking to deal with this state of things?
§ Sir A. DuncanUnder prevailing war conditions circumstances do arise from time to time which inevitably disturb the even flow of work in the factories, but 852 every effort is made to overcome these difficulties. If the hon. Member has any special case in mind, I should be grateful if he would let me have particulars.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the Minister aware that letters and reports are sometimes received from various parts of the country making charges that the works are slowing down, and is it not a fact that there is no real basis for those charges?
§ Sir A. DuncanYes, Sir, but I do not base my conclusions upon private letters. I take care to visit the factories myself. I am able to say of my own knowledge that a great many of the complaints that have been received are completely mis-founded.
§ Mr. LawsonIs it not a fact that there is difficulty about co-ordination?
§ Sir A. DuncanThere are inevitable difficulties in the prevailing war conditions, and an even flow of production is not always possible. We do our best in every case.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the Minister taking steps to see that the shortest transport is used?