HC Deb 24 November 1938 vol 341 cc1980-1W
Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware of the large number of skilled engineers employed in small engineering works, which at the present time are almost entirely without rearmament work; and whether he will consider the desirability of instituting some system by which these firms can be brought within the rearmament scheme, other than through the present method of sub-letting work to them through larger firms?

Sir T. Inskip

The facts stated in the first part of the question have been repeatedly considered but it has so far been judged more effective and more economical to proceed on the method of sub-letting through the larger firms. I should, however, anticipate that the matter is one of those which will receive attention from the industrial panel to be set up in pursuance of the statement made in Debate on 17th November by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.