HC Deb 23 April 1952 vol 499 cc402-3
41. Mrs. Castle

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why his Department refuses to place contracts in the Blackburn area.

Commander Noble

The number of new Admiralty contracts placed in the Preston—Chorley—Blackburn area in recent months has been small because of the local shortage, created by the re-armament programme, of the skilled engineering labour which defence contracts particularly require. In placing future Admiralty contracts, the recent increase in unemployment among textile workers will be taken fully into account.

Mrs. Castle

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his answer conflicts with evidence which I have in my hand in a memorandum of his own Department signed "B.D.G.S.," of 5th February, and headed "Contracts in the Area Preston—Chorley—Blackburn,"and which states that, as a matter of administrative policy in his Department, no contracts other than those already placed or under negotiation are to be placed in this area unless there are overriding reasons why they cannot be carried out elsewhere? Can he tell me why, at a time when unemployment is already mounting in this area, that policy is being carried out

Commander Noble

I think the hon. Lady has misunderstood the memorandum to which she referred. I am sure she will realise that it is no good placing a contract in an area where there is a shortage of the skilled technical labour required. We have, in fact, placed six contracts in that area since February, but if the hon. Lady has any special cases in mind, I shall be very pleased to go into them.

Mrs. Castle

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his reply does not justify an overall ban on three towns—Preston, Chorley and Blackburn? There is a shortage of skilled labour in many other parts of the country as well. What is the reason for the overall ban on my constituency and two others? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] This is a matter of great importance, Mr. Speaker, at a time when unemployment in my area is growing. Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, as recently as 27th March, the Directorate of Stores was placing orders for £300,000 worth of textile contracts, none of which went to this area?

Commander Noble

I will certainly go into the points raised by the hon. Lady, but, as I have said, contracts have been placed during the last few months.

Mr. Ralph Assheton

Does my hon. and gallant Friend appreciate that the people of Blackburn will be very grateful to him for what he has just said?

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman look at the memorandum again to satisfy himself that it does not refer to light engineering contracts, but to all contracts, and, if there is a memorandum in his Department as late as 5th February asking that no contracts which can be placed elsewhere should be placed in this area that that is a memorandum which his Department would be very well advised to reconsider forthwith?

Commander Noble

I will certainly have another look at the memorandum.