§ 45. Mr. George Hicksasked the Prime Minister whether, in their request to industry for increased production, His Majesty's Government have agreed a plan for the amount required, or have fixed a target to which industry might direct its energies, namely, building, mining, engineering, shipbuilding, etc.; and whether such a plan or target has been communicated to the representatives of industry.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)would refer my hon. Friend to the statements made by myself and my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council in the recent Debate on Manpower regarding the methods of planning adopted by the Government. In many fields of industry the various Departments concerned are discussing detailed plans with the industries affected; and, while these discussions cannot as yet cover the whole field, His Majesty's Government are con- 20 tinuously considering means of extending the area of discussion to the widest extent possible.