§ Mr. Irvingasked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been drawn to the probability that as a result of a decision to close a radio factory at Perivale because it cannot reach its export target 1,200 workers will be thrown out of work; and will he make a statement.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussYes. I have seen a report in the Press to this effect. My information is, however, that the factory is not being closed because the firm in question is unable to meet its export target, but because they hope to arrange for more economical production elsewhere, and so be in a better position to accept export orders. The statement attributed to a Ministry of Supply official that there may be substantial unemployment throughout the country by the spring was not, in fact, made.