HC Deb 22 June 1943 vol 390 cc1001-2
51. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether, when considering the post-war unemployment problem, he will consult with the Departments of State concerned to ensure that in concentrating industries and denuding staffs in areas depressed between the two wars, special regard is had to the prospects of the firms involved when hostilities cease?

Sir W. Jowitt

Yes, Sir. The Departments concerned are keeping well in mind the Government's pledge in the White Paper on Concentration of Production (Cmd. 6258) to take all measures open to them to assist the speedy reopening of closed premises.

Mr. Davies

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that between the two wars some small industries were induced to come to these depressed areas, to combat unemployment, and that if Government Departments, especially the Ministry of Labour, get their way by denuding them of staffs they will close these industries down so that they will never open again, and we shall be back after the war to a state of depression once more?

Mr. Levy

Is it in the interests of employment that the small firms should be closed down, as they are being, so that it will take a long time to reopen them? How can such a policy be in any sense conducive to employment after the war?

Sir W. Jowitt

The immediate need is to provide man-power for the Services. This Question deals with the position after the war.