§ 48 and 49. Dr. Littleasked the Minister of Production (1) how many war factories have been erected in Northern Ireland since the opening of the war; how many workers have been employed therein; and whether he will have additional factories erected in the near future as the labour is available to supply them;
(2) whether he will so rearrange war work in the United Kingdom that all Northern Ireland workers will have facilities to do this work at home and not be asked to go elsewhere in the Kingdom, as this would not only add to their comfort but result in greater production?
§ The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)While I regret that I cannot publish the information for which my hon. Friend asks, I shall be happy to let him have certain of the facts for his private information. With regard to the other points which he raises, I can assure my hon. Friend that the considerations which he advances are fully understood. It is the constant endeavour of the Supply Ministries to locate additional work in Northern Ireland so far as is practicable, having regard to the industrial and strategic factors involved.
§ Dr. LittleDoes not my right hon. Friend recognise that the number of factories in operation in Northern Ireland is inadequate to absorb the labour force? Will he press forward at once to provide additional factories and recognise that men can do much better work when they have home comforts than when they are away from home? I press that point upon the Minister.
§ Mr. LytteltonI am aware that there is still labour force unused in Northern Ireland, but we are doing all we can to take work to them.