Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of factory space for which building licences have been granted to employers in each of development areas since 1st January, 1945; and similar figures for Great Britain by regions.
§ Sir Stafford CrippsI regret that records are not kept precisely in the form asked for. I am, however, sending my hon. and gallant Friend details of the information that is available.
§ Sir P. Hannonasked the President of the Board of Trade how many shadow and other factories, financed by the Government for war purposes, have been reconverted or are in process of reconver- 722W sion for peace production; and if he can give an assurance that he will expedite the post-war reconstruction of all such factories so as to maintain a high level of employment.
§ Sir S. Cripps114 factories owned by the Government have so far been allocated for conversion to peace-time production. The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes, Sir."
§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the President of the Board of Trade why a Government factory built to attract and encourage new industries in Middlesbrough has been let for storage purposes, whilst manufacturers are eager to obtain factory space on a rental basis.
§ Sir S. CrippsMy hon. Friend has been misinformed. The factory referred to is occupied temporarily for the production of prefabricated houses. Its use will be reviewed in a year's time.