Mr. David Adams:

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has any statement to make as to the establishment of area committees; and whether, as a result, there has yet been allocation of work to the new factory accommodation, or when is this likely to ensue?

I will make a statement on this matter as early as possible, but the detailed arrangements are not yet settled. In the meantime, any offers of factory capacity are being examined, and in a number of these cases orders have already been placed or are being negotiated.

Mr. Adams:

Does the Minister expect to get a specific statement on this important subject?

An important conference with the trade unions took place yesterday on this matter, and I have great hopes that it will be possible to make an early announcement.

Will these area committees have authority to place orders as they did in the last war?

That matter has not yet been determined, but I imagine that they will not, and that their duties will be advisory.