14. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied with the rate of build-up of manpower in the sections of the engineering industry which are engaged upon the re-armament programme.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThere is a scarcity of skilled workers in the engineering industry, and in certain areas this is retarding the intake of other workers by firms engaged on the defence programme.
Mr. LeeDoes that mean that at the present time the programme for the production of arms is seriously curtailed; and could the Minister say over what period of years he considers the re-armament programme will now have to be stretched until it is completed?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThere is curtailment of some matters in the re-armament programme which we should all like to see dealt with more speedily. As to the period over which it will be spread, I should not like to make a prophecy.