§ 3. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement upon the initial steps taken by his Department to provide alternative civil contracts to industrial firms in Coventry in order that the Government's wish to maintain a high and stable level of employment, together with an expanding national economy, may be maintained.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesMy Department's procurement responsibilities relate in the main to supplies required for defence purposes. Apart from the special consideration given to Development Areas, Government contracts are not allocated on a geographical basis, but firms in Coventry and elsewhere who are on the Ministry's trades lists are given full opportunity to tender.
§ Miss BurtonIs the Minister aware that our unemployment figures in Coventry were worse in January than in December? Further, is he aware that the firm of Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft 644 has said that it would be turning off between 500 and 600 skilled men in the next nine months? Finally, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people in Coventry simply do not believe in the Government's statement about an expanding economy when they do nothing at all for places like Coventry? Has the Minister no suggestions at all about civil contracts?
§ Mr. JonesWith all respect, the supplementary question seems to me to transcend by far the nature of my Departmental competence. The Question touches the sphere of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. Questions of such a wide ambit should really be directed to him.