Mr. KENNEDY JONESasked the resident of the Hoard of Trade if he can make any statement as to the progress which has been made in the re-conversion to civil uses of factories taken over or adopted under official instructions for War purposes; and whether any causes of delay or hindrance have been brought to his notice?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to take this question. In view of the large number of firms which have been engaged during the War on the manufacture of munitions, it is impossible to give any general estimate of the present position within the Units of an answer to a question, but the process of reversion to civil industry is in many districts making steady progress. The chief obstacle to a more rapid change-over of industry is the reluctance shown by some firms to manufacture to stock, owing to the uncertainty as to future prices of raw materials, the fear of a falling market, and the prevailing industrial unrest. Difficulty in obtaining raw materials is still felt to some extent. Inability to secure the demobilisation of skilled men from the Forces is often put forward as a reason for delay, but this difficulty is now being rapidly overcome.