HC Deb 20 May 1941 vol 371 cc1385-6
38. Mr. Wootton-Davies

asked the Minister of Supply what percentage of factories on war munition making are working a full 24 hours' day?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

Conditions vary so greatly from time to time and place to place, having regard to enemy action and other considerations, that I doubt whether any reply would give an accurate picture. Moreover, the compilation would require a very large expenditure of effort in statistical research.

Mr. Wootton-Davies

Are factories getting all the coal they require to keep them going?

Mr. Macmillan

That is not a question for me.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that industry as a whole is organised on a total war basis?

Mr. Macmillan

That is a question that we shall be discussing in the near future. My right hon. Friend is never wholly satisfied. I should describe his condition as one of qualified optimism.