HC Deb 27 April 1959 vol 604 c874
8. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the discussions held with the Minister of Labour concerning the giving of Government contracts to the Remploy factory. Coventry.

Mr. W. J. Taylor

There have been no discussions dealing specifically with the Remploy Factory at Coventry, but, as I told the hon. Lady on 20th April, we are giving Remploy preference whenever possible.

Miss Burton

While appreciating that the Minister is probably doing that, does he realise that locally we view this as a problem where we have a handful of men awaiting entry; and would it not be a good deal better for them and for the country to pay them for doing a job rather than have them sitting at home doing nothing?

Mr. Taylor

I appreciate that, but the hon. Lady will also appreciate that the Ministry of Supply can place orders only for goods which are required by the Services. In reply to a supplementary question from the hon. Lady last week, I undertook to do what I could to help this factory, but it is not easy when the requirements of the Services have fallen considerably.

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