HC Deb 11 October 1944 vol 403 c1751
55. Sir O. Simmonds

asked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for deciding or approving the location of industrial undertakings about to manufacture goods for the home and export markets.

Mr. Attlee

As is stated in paragraph 30 of the White Paper on Employment Policy (Cmd. 6527), inquiries on this subject should be addressed to the Board of Trade, which is the channel through which Government decisions are expressed.

Sir O. Simmonds

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave misgiving about the Board of Trade having an adequate number of staff competent to undertake this work? In view of the vital national importance of this issue, will he see that a review is made of the Board of Trade's responsibilities in this particular field? Can I have an answer?

Mr. Attlee

I do not see that a particular answer is required. Naturally the Government have the matter under the closest attention and, as has already been stated in this House, the Board of Trade's personnel have been selected for this purpose.

Mr. George Griffiths

Will it be possible for the Tories to shelve the President of the Board of Trade? Do they want him out of the way?