§ 72. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to utilise redundant productive capacity and skilled labour in railway workshops for defence production.
75. Mr. Smithersasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that a firm of engineers recently approached a British Railways factory at Eastleigh with a request that it would undertake the machining of an important and urgent defence contract, but that this was refused by the railway authorities on the ground that they were prohibited from accepting such work by the legislation nationalising the transport system; and whether he will arrange to issue directions, under Defence Regulation 55 (2A), to the Transport Commission in such cases.
§ Mr. SandysThe Railway Executive have approached me about the possibility of undertaking defence work. In order to enable them to undertake non-railway work it is necessary to issue a direction in respect of each order. I have already issued such a direction in one case. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Winchester for drawing my attention to the position at Eastleigh. I am examining the matter with the Railway Executive.