§ 30. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for War what measures are being taken by his Department to place more orders for Army requirements in the County of Durham and the North-East.
§ Mr. RamsdenThe orders we place in a particular area must ultimately depend on the tenders submitted by manufacturers. But we do give special consideration to firms situated in development districts.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Minister aware that I have addressed similar Questions to various Government Departments? As this matter of contracts comes within his own purview as Financial Secretary, will he go a little further than he has indicated and not wait until the tenders come in but ascertain whether it is possible, within the ambit of the North-East industrial centre, to place more orders in that area?
§ Mr. RamsdenIf as a result of tendering no firm in a development district would secure a substantial part of a contract, we offer the lowest tenderer in one of these districts a part of the contract at a price which would entail no extra cost to us. Further than that, if there are any firms which the hon. Gentleman knows whom he thinks we should consider for submitting tenders, I should be glad to hear from him and discuss any proposal the has in mind.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the Financial Secretary realise that what I am suggesting fits in with the Government's general economic policy of promoting more work in a development district? This is a way out. Is it not possible to ascertain whether there are firms in the area ready to tender for these contracts?
§ Mr. RamsdenWe certainly do our best to do that, but in general the initiative comes, and I think it is right that it should come, from the firm.