HC Deb 16 March 1893 vol 10 cc236-7
CAPTAIN BOWLES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what are the relative prices of the Lee-Mitford rifles manufactured at Enfield and at Sparkbrook?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman allow me to answer the question. The cost for the current year cannot be given accurately, as the accounts have not been made up. For the two years ended last March there was a difference of Is. in favour of Sparkbrook. The cost varies necessarily according to the output of the respective factories, and too much importance should not be attached to any difference that may be shown in the cost accounts.

MR. JESSE COLLINGS (Birmingham, Bordesley)

May I ask whether, in calculating the cost, the interest on the outlay upon land, buildings, machinery, and plant was included?

MR. WOODALL

The accounts for the two factories had been made up on the same principle.

MR. J. COLLINGS

My question was whether the interest upon the cost of the plant, land, buildings, and machinery of the two establishments was included in the cost of production?

MR. WOODALL

The right hon. Gentleman ought to be satisfied with my assurance that the accounts of the two establishments are kept on the same principle.

MR. A. CHAMBERLAIN (Worcester, E.)

May I ask whether interest is charged upon the cost of the land in both cases?

MR. WOODALL

Not upon the cost of the land.

MR. A. CHAMBERLAIN

Then, of course, there is a very distinct preference given to Enfield?

An hon. MEMBER: Is it not a fact that other things besides rifles are manufactured at Enfield?

MR. WOODALL

It is perfectly true the manufacture of sword blades and other things is also carried on there. As a matter of fact, during the past year two-thirds of the machinery for manufacturing rifles has been standing idle.