HC Deb 22 February 1949 vol 461 cc1682-3
48. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the great differences in the quantity of organisational charts and descriptive leaflets by the Regional Organisation for Industry distributed in the various regions, varying between 14,000 in the case of the London and South-Eastern Region and 1,500 in the case of the Northern Region; and what steps he proposes to take to encourage the regions concerned to make up this disparity.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Stafford Cripps)

Yes, Sir. The basis for the distribution of these documents was the same in the two regions, but the hon. Member will appreciate that the number of firms in each region varies widely.

Mr. Cooper

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer recall that I have been following up this matter by Questions in the House for over two years, and can he take some more vigorous steps to stimulate the Regional Organisation for Industry so that it can be more effective, perhaps acting as the Government's own system of joint consultation with industry in helping the production drive?

Sir S. Cripps

Those steps have been taken and the regional board is doing a very good job indeed.