asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the large amount of short-time and unemployment in the engineering and kindred industries in London; and whether he will see that a greater share of Government contracts are placed in London?

My information does not confirm that there is any large amount of short-time and unemployment in the engineering and kindred industries in London, but, if the hon. Member is aware of any facilities which are not being used, I shall always be glad to hear of them. The hon. Member will, however, appreciate that it is not possible to turn over from normal industry to this work at short notice and that in general it has not been the policy in the past to create new capacity of this type in congested areas.