DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 7

DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

VOLUNTARY NATURAL SCHEME LABOUR PARTY’S SUPPORT I British Official Wireless J RUGBY, Jan. 3. Both the political and industrial sections of the Labour movement have given assurances of assistance in the organisation of the voluntary national service scheme. As a result, suggestions were advanced in a recent interview with the Minister of Labour, when he agreed to increasing the industrial representation from both employers’ sides on the local committees. The Labour suggestion for the appointing of a national co-ordinating committee has been approved by Sir John Anderson, Lord Privy Seal. A new Government ordnance factory is to be established at Clydeside. The War Office has acquired a site formerly occupied by the famous shipbuilding yard of William Beardmore. When in full co-operation it is anticipated that the new factory will give employment to about 2000. Provision for a national reserve of switch-Gear transformers and other electrical equipment under the administration of a central electricity board as a special air raid precaution measure has been decided upon as a result of discussions between the Ministry of Transport and representatives of public utility undertakings. This reserve will be readily available for replacement of machinery damaged by enemy activity in time of war. Half the cost of the scheme, which is estimated at £3,000,000, will be met by the Government.