CAPTAIN BOWLESI 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,) HanleyWould 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. WOODALLThe accounts for the two factories had been made up on the same principle.
§ MR. J. COLLINGSMy 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. WOODALLThe 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. WOODALLNot upon the cost of the land.
§ MR. A. CHAMBERLAINThen, 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. WOODALLIt 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.