§ MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state what were the strong Departmental reasons on which the Army Council decided to reduce the establishment of the small arms factory at Sparkbrook; by whom was the decision reversed; and was the Army Council consulted before its reversal.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe Army Council's decision was based solely upon grounds of economy. The decision has not been reversed; but further action has been temporarily suspended pending the determination of a larger question which was indicated in an Answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Sheffield on February 27th. †
§ MR. WHITLEYMy last Question has not been answered. Was the Army Council consulted?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe Army Council was, of course, consulted. I have already informed the hon. Member that there was no reversal, and that under the circumstances I have described there was a postponement.
§ MR. WHITLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman grant the Return on the Paper relating to this matter and explaining the negotiations that have taken place?
§ *MR. SPEAKERNotice must be given of that Question.
The Return referred to is as follows:—Small Arms Department (Sparkbrook). Address for Return of (1) the Minute of the Army Council relating to the reduction of the establishment at Sparkbrook; (2) the communications between the hon. Member for the Bordesley Division and the Secretary of State for War relating to
† See (4) Debates, cxli., 1338.1373 the same; (3) the communications between the hon. Member for West Birmingham and the First Lord of the Treasury relating to the same.