§ Sir C. Headlamasked the Minister of Production, in view of the fact that it is now the Government's policy to set up war-time industries in the North-Eastern area, how many such undertakings have been started in this area during the last four months; how this number compares with the number set up during the same period in other parts of the country; and whether he is bearing in mind the important effect which the introduction of war-time industries is likely to have upon industrial conditions when peace is restored?
§ Mr. LytteltonI regret that it would not be in the national interest to publish the information asked for in the first part of the Question, and I am accordingly writing to my hon. Friend. The efforts which have already been made have considerably increased the amount of work in the Northern region, but I am not yet satisfied with the extent to which the available resources of the region have been harnessed, and I am continuing my efforts to encourage the establishment of further war production there. I realise that this may have an effect on industrial conditions there after the war, and I shall keep in close touch in the matter with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Reconstruction and the President of the Board of Trade.