§ MR. WEDGWOOD (Newcastle-under-Lyme)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to giving stability to the employment of labour and machinery at Woolwich Arsenal, he will consider the advisability of consulting with the Postmaster- General as to the manufacture of bicycles and motor cars at the Arsenal for the use of His Majesty's post offices.
The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR Mr. Haldane, Haddington)The question of manufacturing bicycles for the Army at the Royal Arsenal has been considered, but it was decided that, in view of the great trade competition and the ease of purchase of these articles, it would be contrary to the principles which guide this Department to start such an industry in the Ordnance Factories. The arguments against the manufacture of bicycles at the Royal Arsenal apply with a greater extent to motor cars, as it is more difficult to adopt a standard pattern, and I regret, therefore, that I do
† See (4) Debates, clxiv., 1483–4.382 not see my way to fall in with my hon. friend's suggestion for increasing the amount of employment in these factories.
§ MR. WEDGWOODIs it not the case that sixteen years ago Messrs. Palmer, of Jarrow, in a time of bad trade, started making bicycles to keep their hands at work, and also that Armstrongs' started making motor-cars for the same reason?
§ Sir HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)Yes, and how much money did they lose by doing that?
§ MR. HALDANEI know that a great many firms who have started making bicycles and motors have gone bankrupt in consequence, and I do not feel myself peculiarly qualified to start a business of the kind.