HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 cc1281-2W
Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is taking any steps to ensure that aircraft, armament, and other factories to be built for, or on behalf of, service Departments shall be located in areas with a high percentage of unemployment, such as Liverpool, and not in such areas as Birmingham where unemployment is not a serious factor?

Mr. E. Brown

Arrangements are in existence for consultation with my Depart- ment on the question of the location of proposed Government factories required in connection with the Defence Programme. It is my constant concern to see that the needs of the areas of heavy unemployment are given due weight when sites are being considered, but the hon. Member will realise that unemployment is only one of many factors to be taken into consideration and that the ultimate decision must rest with the Service Department concerned.