§ 4. Mr. Higgsasked the President of the Board of Trade if, when disposing of shadow factories in the Birmingham area, he will give preference to local firms whose premises have suffered through enemy action before he considers applications from firms outside Birmingham.
§ Mr. DaltonGovernment factories which are declared surplus to war requirements are allocated in accordance with the principles which I stated to the House on 25th July and 20th October last. I would add that due regard will be paid to the claims, on grounds of equity, of firms whose premises have been destroyed or damaged by enemy action.
§ 5. Mr. Burkeasked the President of the Board of Trade to what uses he proposes to put the factories in Burnley now engaged on war work when war contracts are no longer available; and in particular, what he proposes to do with the Magnesium Electron factory at which production has now ceased.
§ 8. Mr. Silvermanasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government propose to take to direct or 4 encourage new industries in North-east Lancashire so as to render North-east Lancashire less exclusively dependent upon the cotton industry.
§ Mr. DaltonI have the needs of this area in mind. As I have already stated, I hope to arrange for war factories in Burnley and elsewhere in North-east Lancashire, when declared surplus to war requirements, to be used for peace-time purposes. The Magnesium Electron factory has not yet been declared surplus.
§ Mr. BurkeIs it not a fact that there is no production going on at the M.E.F., that the factory is admirably situated, and in many ways could be of great use in that particular area? Can nothing be done about it?
§ Mr. DaltonMy hon. Friend asked a Question on this subject as lately as 24th January of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aircraft Production. This factory has not yet been declared surplus to war requirements, and until it is so declared by the Supply Department responsible, the Board of Trade is not able officially to deal with it.
§ 7. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the proposals of the Maesteg Urban District Council for the erection of factories to absorb the trained labour which will be released from the Royal Ordnance factory; and with what result.
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. I have received these proposals, and my Regional Controller has already had several discussions with the council regarding possible future developments.