§ 43. Mr. Christopher Shawcrossasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that owing to the failure of his Department over a period of two weeks to grant a certificate for the purchase of timber to Messrs. William Evans and Co., Ditton Road, Widnes, 18 and to the lack of co-ordination between his Department, the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Labour over a longer period in relation to the post-war production of this firm, this firm is obliged to give notice terminating the employment of approximately 300 workpeople who could be engaged in manufacturing furniture and other articles of domestic use in short supply; and if he will take steps to see that the necessary permits are issued without further delay and that in future there is co-ordination in similar cases between the Departments concerned.
§ Sir S. CrippsMessrs. William Evans and Co., who were not furniture manufacturers before the war, made separate applications in respect of woodware and furniture production. The certificates for the timber required for woodware were granted in full on 23rd October. I am sorry that I cannot also designate them for production of furniture at present, because there is no plywood available for the purpose.
§ Wing-Commander Roland RobinsonIs not this case just another example of the delays, inefficiency and red tape arising out of Government interference with industry?.
§ Sir S. CrippsIt provides a very good example of the protection of those who are already in the industry, and making utility furniture under difficult circumstances..