§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence if the financial assistance for laying down new plant, referred to in the White Paper, applies to construction of new workshops or only to laying down new plant in existing workshops; if building to meet Government requirements in this direction will be given priority over non-Government building; and, if so, what organisation will be set up to effect this priority?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThe answer to the first part of the question is that, where necessary, financial assistance will be made available under suitable safeguards for the construction of new workshops and for the laying down of new plant in existing workshops. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that, as stated in the White Paper, the Government programme is to be carried out without impeding the course of normal trade. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer him to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 31st ultimo.
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what industries he has yet approached in connection with the White Paper proposals?
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§ Sir T. INSKIPI have made no formal approach to any industry. In addition to informal conversations which I have had with various persons, I have had interviews with representatives of the Federation of British Industries and of the Machine Tool Trades Association.