HC Deb 22 December 1938 vol 342 cc3138-40W
Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement regarding his programme of work; and whether he has yet decided what class and nature of work he intends to place either with firms in Glasgow or in Government factories in that area?

Sir K. Wood

As I explained to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on 30th November and to the hon. Member for Maryhill (Mr. Davidson) on 14th December, a scheme is being developed under which suitable firms whose capacity cannot be utilised for sub-contract work will be invited to submit proposals for the manufacture of aircraft components under direct contracts. Arrangements are being made for the local exhibition of patterns as a first step, and the Director-General of Production has visited Glasgow within the last few days to go into the whole question on the spot. I regret that until I have received and considered his report I am unable to give the hon. Member any further information.

Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in any geographical survey of facilities for carrying out Air Ministry contracts, an investigation has been made of the unused facilities available in Aberdeen; and whether he can undertake that careful consideration will be given to facilities in this large industrial town?

Sir K. Wood

As the hon. Member is aware, I am giving special consideration to the facilities available in Scotland for work in connection with aircraft production, and am in consultation with the Scottish Development Council on this matter. The committee have prepared lists of firms who might be suitable for this work in various parts of Scotland, including Aberdeen; and these lists are now being considered in my Department.