HC Deb 13 July 1933 vol 280 cc1240-1
36. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state if any Government contracts have been obtained recently by Messrs. Beard-more for their works at Moss End; and, if so, whether any reason has been given why those works are closed down at present?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

So far as I have been able to ascertain, no Government contracts have recently been placed for the Moss End works; the second part of the question therefore does not arise.

Mrs. SHAW

Moss End works are in my constituency. May I ask my hon. Friend whether it is not the case that Beardmore's works were closed during the term of the last Government, and, in view of the heavy increase in unemployment caused thereby, will he take that into consideration in placing Government contracts?

Mr. MACLEAN

Apart from what happened in the last Government, is it not the case that this particular Government promised employment at Moss End and elsewhere?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

In reply to my hon. Friend who represents the Division concerned, Moss End works have bee closed since 1931 at least. The Government, of course, have other contracts with Messrs. Beardmore, but contracts are not placed with these particular works.

Mr. MACLEAN

What was the date in 1931 when the works were closed?

An HON. MEMBER

Before you went out of office.

55. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the last completed contract was given to Messrs. Beardmore and delivered; the nature and value of the contract; whether any contracts have been given recently; the nature and value of the contracts; and the number of men they are estimated to give employment to?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lord Stanley)

The last completed contract of magnitude was for the main machinery of the Flotilla Leader "Duncan," ordered in February, 1931, and completed in March of this year. Within, the last few months, Messrs. Beardmore have received contracts for the main machinery of His Majesty's Ships "Amphion" and "Apollo," and orders for certain armament items, forgings, etc., for these and other of His Majesty's ships under construction. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the contract prices. There is no information available as to the number of men employed on Admiralty contracts.

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