§ 35. Colonel Greenwellasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the announcement by the American War Production Board that the full programme of its chairman, Mr. Donald Nelson, to prepare American industry for civilian production would be ordered to take effect from 15th July; and what steps he has in view to organise British industry similarly so that this country will not be prejudiced in its post-war efforts to establish overseas trade.
40. Captain Duncanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now had time to consider Mr. Donald Nelson's announcement to the effect that American industry is to be allowed to switch back partially to the production of goods for civilian consumption; and whether he will make similar arrangements in this country so that manufacturers may be able to be ready to seize export trade opportunities when they occur.
§ Mr. DaltonI have studied this announcement carefully. The concessions which it foreshadows for experimental work on post-war models are all subject to the condition that war production must not be impeded. His Majesty's Government are prepared to consider, subject to the same over-riding condition, requests from British manufacturers for similar facilities to prepare for peace-time production, but I must point out that our limited resources are now heavily strained by the claims of urgent war production.
§ Colonel GreenwellMay we have an assurance that, when the time does come for turning over to peace-time manufacture, manufacturers in this country will be given at least equal facilities with those in America, for getting an early start?
§ Mr. DaltonA number of my colleagues and myself are giving much thought and attention to this matter, but the war must come first. Next, after the war, must come the restoration of our peace-time trade and particularly exports. Along that road we hope to go forward, with the support of the House.
Captain DuncanIs the right hon. Gentleman making any attempt to obtain international agreement between the United States of America and ourselves, with regard to the change-over from peace to war?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir, indeed.
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. There is machinery of an elaborate and complete kind for constant exchange of views on these matters.
§ Mr. WoodburnIn the event of standardisation for housebuilding being agreed to, will my right hon. Friend facilitate the production of patterns and the necessary models, so that the work may start immediately labour is available?
§ Mr. DaltonPerhaps my hon. Friend will put that Question down, as it is rather a special point.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf we should reach a maximum in any category of war production, will it be possible, in view of what is happening in the United States, to switch over to civilian production?
§ Mr. DaltonIf my hon. Friend will read my answer carefully he will find that that point was covered.