§ 7. Mr. Shortasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the running down of arms orders to Tyneside engineering firms with the obtaining of new orders.
§ Sir D. EcclesI understand that the level of defence—largely Admiralty—requirements in the Tyneside area is likely to be well maintained. Any firms affected by cuts in defence orders are themselves responsible for obtaining new orders in the home market, but the Board of Trade's services are readily available to help with securing export business.
§ Mr. ShortIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that figures which I have had today from his right hon. Friend show that we have well over 1,000 shipyard workers and almost 500 engineers idle, largely due to the running down of arms orders? Could not this be done somewhat more intelligently? I know that firms themselves are responsible for getting orders, but could not the running down of orders from Service Departments be co-ordinated with the obtaining of other orders by engineering and shipbuilding firms?
§ Sir D. EcclesIt is not my information that these running down orders are Admiralty orders. If they are and the hon. Gentleman will supply me with details, I will consider the matter.