§ Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in connection with the increased requirements of the Royal Air Force, he will state if any contracts for aero engines have been placed in Lancashire; and whether, in view of the state of employment in that 1241W county and the increase in the number of aero engine factories that should follow the placing of further orders from his Department, he will endeavour to secure some of this work for Lancashire?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERContracts are unlikely to be placed by the Air Ministry for aero engines to be manufactured in Lancashire, since it is at present anticipated that the capacity of the existing manufacturers will be sufficient to meet the increased requirements. Lancashire firms may, however, benefit indirectly through sub-contracts for materials and components.