HC Deb 23 May 1944 vol 400 c562
30. Mr. Wakefield

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to state what plans have been made for the utilisation of factories owned by the State in a town and district of which he has been informed when hostilities cease.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)

As I have previously stated, it is not possible at present to say whether, or when, any of these factories will be available for transfer from war to peace-time production, but any firm desiring to apply for the use of any of them after the war should communicate with the Board of Trade.

Mr. Wakefield

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that indecision and lack of policy statements are not helpful to the local authority and prevent planning, because it is felt in the locality that lack of decision can only result in chaos, confusion and unemployment when peace returns?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir, there is no lack of decision. What there is, is some doubt as to the length of the war and the future progress of military events. As my hon. Friend, with his knowledge of the Royal Air Force, must appreciate—I do not want to labour the fact here, although I shall be glad to speak to him about it—it is exceedingly likely that the factories he has in mind will continue to be required for war purposes for a considerable time.