HC Deb 18 January 1945 vol 407 cc368-9
84. Sir W. Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that business firms are asked to remove their plant from certain localities, of which he has been informed, to areas many miles away, for the benefit of production, but that the Government refuse to give any undertaking that they will return the plant after the war is over, or at such time as the plant has served its purpose for Ministry production; and if he is now prepared to give such an assurance.

Sir J. Anderson

This matter has been under consideration between the Supply Departments and the Treasury and a scheme has been approved in principle under which the cost of the return journey of dispersed plant will be borne by the Exchequer. The Supply Departments will be responsible for the practical application of the scheme to approved cases.

Sir W. Davison

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it seems very unfair and unreasonable to ask a firm to allow their plant to be removed to a long distance away from their location and not to give them some assurance that when the plant is finished with after the war it will be returned to its original place of working?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, but I think my hon. Friend will find that I have met that point in my answer.