HC Deb 21 October 1942 vol 383 c1980W
Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Minister of Production what steps he is taking to survey the capacity of the large number of industrial units throughout the country, not classified as engineering works but which could undertake some form of munition work; whether he is aware that many such units are now doing work of national importance in addition to their normal activities, with the result that local labour is employed and not sent away to other parts of the country; and whether his plans recently announced are designed to make full use of all such undertakings?

Mr. Lyttelton

The assessment of capacity in their regions is one of the principal duties of the regional boards. Their primary task must, of course, be to make full use of the capacity in the engineering industry; but they are always seeking to arrange for munitions production where-ever it can be undertaken without impairing other essential production or wasting labour or other resources.