asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the procedure adopted regarding the allocation of new factories now being built to the instructions of his Department or which were built to the instructions of the Ministry of Supply during the war and now being transferred to his Department.

Such factories are allocated to applicants selected as best able to occupy them in the national interest, having regard specially to the type of industry and employment needed in a particular area. A firm desiring such a factory is advised by the Board of Trade Headquarters or Regional Offices as to the location most likely to meet its requirements.

Could my right hon. and learned Friend say whether or not the Tees-side Industrial Development Board was consulted in regard to the allocation of the Tarran factory, Middlesbrough, which was recently allocated to the G.E.C., and does he not agree that it would be a good thing if the Regional Organisation for Industry were brought into the picture, in order that local considerations and opinions can be given full scope and opportunity for expression.

I cannot give an answer in that particular case, but I will write to my hon. Friend.

Does the original answer of the right hon. and learned Gentleman mean a change of policy in regard to this matter?

No, Sir.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider publishing a list showing the people or firms to whom these factories are allocated?

That is done in the "Board of Trade Journal" from time to time.