§ 40. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Production if he can provide some statistical information to enable comparison to be made in output during the first three months of each year of the war; the percentage of time lost by workpeople; the increased output per year; and the number of cases in which action has been taken to appoint Government directors by the application of Defence Regulations.
§ Mr. Garro JonesNo general index of production is officially compiled in wartime. I am having certain information about munitions production of the kind for which my hon. Friend has asked worked out and will send it to him. Comprehensive statistics about time lost workpeople are not available. As regards the last part of the Question, there has been no change in the position as stated at the end of the reply given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend on 9th February last.
§ Mr. SmithIs my hon. Friend aware that the achievements of the British people are admired throughout the world, and that it is also realised that had Britain, in fighting this war, depended on the basis of private enterprise, we would not have done much good?
§ Mr. Garro JonesIn apportioning credit for the achievements of the British people, some small part of the praise might be given to the British Government.