HC Deb 22 June 1904 vol 136 cc817-8
CAPTAIN NORTON

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the distress caused by the dismissal of experienced workmen in the Government factories at Enfield and Woolwich, and the deterioration which is taking place in plant lying idle, he will consider the advisability of so distributing orders between private firms and Government factories that all the plant of the latter may be kept as far as possible in constant.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

The orders have been distributed on the established principle that the resources of the trade as well as those of the Government factories must be utilised, and with the present orders available this must involve part of the Government plant at Enfield and Woolwich lying idle.

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

May I supplement that Question by asking where and when the principle was established of keeping machinery idle in the interests of contractors?

* MR. J. F. HOPE (Sheffield, Brightside)

May I ask whether it is proposed to depart from the lines of the policy in this matter laid down by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessors and to increase the production of guns and military stores at Woolwich and Enfield to the detriment of private firms in Sheffield and elsewhere, and to the consequent loss of work to the men employed by those firms.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

There is no question in this matter of the interests of contractors in Sheffield or elsewhere. The interests involved are the interests of the nation, represented in this case by the needs of the Army. The principle has been adopted because it is believed to be a sound and desirable principle, and it will be carried out by this, and, I believe, all other Governments, on th ground that it is a reasonable principl in the interest of the Army.

* MR. J. F. HOPE

May I hope there will be no departure from the lines of the policy adopted by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessors?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I have already stated that the principle has been adopted and is, to the best of our judgment, being applied fairly.

MR. CROOKS

Then is machinery which is the property of the nation to be allowed to rust out in the interests of contractors?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

No machinery will be allowed to rust out, but it is necessary in times of peace to leave unemployed a portion of the machinery which would be employed in times of war.