§ 53 and 54. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister (1) what directions have been issued to the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Supply, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Labour and the shipbuilding section of the Admiralty to prepare plans for the employment of workpeople displaced by cuts in defence expenditure;
(2) whether he will consult the principal workers' and employers' organisations on the subject of changes in industry and displacement of workpeople which may arise from cuts in defence expenditure.
§ The Prime MinisterWhen cuts in defence production are made it is not necessary to issue special directions to deal with the redeployment that may arise. The Board of Trade and the Ministry of Labour make full use of the exsiting machinery for letting employers know when factory space and labour are going to become available.
If special problems arise, the Ministers concerned are always ready to consult with industry and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will shortly be meeting representatives of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions.