§ Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether 2908W there is any central machinery of administration for securing the efficient distribution of private and Government shipbuilding contracts, in the light of special considerations, such as maintenance of plants and skilled workmen not now fully employed, but of urgent national importance in the event of war, of the provisions of the Special Areas Act, of geographical defence considerations, and other factors governing the distribution of such contracts; and whether he can make a statement?
§ Sir T. InskipI am not aware of any such central machinery of administration applicable to private contracts, the placing of which is doubtless governed by commercial considerations. In the allocation of Government contracts all the matters mentioned by the hon. Member are fully considered as well as other relevant matters, though the prices quoted must have an important influence on the actual allocation of contracts.