HC Deb 21 March 1905 vol 143 cc643-4
COLONEL BOWLES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the cost of the new machinery laid down at the Enfield Small Arms Factory during the last three years; what percentage of the plant at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, is now lying idle; what percentage will be idle if the discharges now contemplated by the Government are carried out; and what is the estimated cost of the electrical plant now being laid down at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield.

MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORT

The figures of the cost of the new machinery are as follows:—1902–3, £39,966; 1903–4, £48,527; 1904–5, £8,500. About 20 percent, of the plant is now lying idle and about 75 per cent, will be lying idle if the discharges now contemplated are carried out. The cost of the electric plant now being laid down is estimated at £6,679.