HC Deb 29 January 1951 vol 483 cc552-4
17. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he has taken to utilise fully the resources of the motor industry, and to maintain full employment in that industry during the present shortage of steel for the production of motor cars.

31. Mr. Harrison

asked the Minister of Supply what special arrangements he has made to utilise the services of those firms closed or severely handicapped by the restricted use of various metals for rearmaments.

35. Mr. John Grimston

asked the Minister of Supply what proposals he has in mind for specialist metal-working firms which have been, hitherto, making highly-finished articles for export and are now debarred from getting further supplies of non-ferrous metals to enable them to keep their staffs together.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

It is the Government's policy to give orders under its defence programme as far as possible in those areas and to those firms where there is spare capacity and available labour. The extent to which direct Government contracts can be placed at the present moment with firms who are particularly affected by restrictions on the use of metals is limited. But firms receiving orders from my Department are being asked to follow as far as possible the Government's policy when awarding subcontracts. Some movement of labour between firms is, however, inevitable if the rearmament programme is to be met.

Mr. Edelman

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is already redundancy of men and machines in the Coventry area, due to the shortage of sheet steel? Will he say when the defence plans for the motor industry will be known, and when new contracts will be issued?

Mr. Strauss

I am aware of the shortage of materials in Coventry and other areas, but it is impossible for me to say when the defence orders will have a definite effect in any particular area.

Mr. Grimston

Will the Minister bear in mind that many of these firms would very much like to take on rearmament orders if they were available? Will he bear in mind that men must be kept in the firms, so that they will be available to meet the rearmament orders?

Mr. Strauss

I appreciate that very much, but most of these firms can only look for sub-contracts, and it is their responsibility to get them.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend mean to say that as the rearmament programme continues there must be unemployment in other industries?

Mr. Strauss

No, Sir, I did not say that. I said that there must be some effect on labour between one industry and another.