§ 21. Sir H. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to increase the production of goods for civilian consumption, so as to ensure opportunities for employment to those demobilised from Civil Defence and other Services.
§ 24. Mr. Erskine-Hillasked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made to lift the restrictions on the production of civilian goods so as to counterbalance the reduction of orders for war material.
§ 25. Mr. Stokesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the American decision to switch over 40 per cent. of total production to peace purposes on the conclusion of hostilities with Germany: and what corresponding action he proposes to take so as to ensure that maximum employment in this country is maintained and that our own industries are not disadvantaged in export markets.
§ Mr. DaltonI am keeping in close touch with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Production in regard to releases of labour and capacity from war work in order to ensure 13 that every opportunity is taken to increase the production of civilian goods, both for home and export, as rapidly as the claims of war production and other essential work allow. My right hon. and gallant Friend, the Minister of Production, hopes to make a full statement on this subject shortly.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are very large numbers of people in war factories up and down the country at this moment who are doing no work of any kind whatsoever?
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that great enterprise is being shown by the Americans in sending their travellers overseas now? Will his Department afford equal facilities for travellers from this country who want to do likewise?
§ Mr. DaltonMy hon. Friend has personally applied for facilities to travel abroad and they have been granted.