§ Mr. CROOKSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has overlooked the findings of the Conference appointed by the Government in 1907 in order to consider whether any article not now made in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, could appropriately be made there; whether he is aware that page 9, paragraph 38, of the Report of this Conference stated that heavy gun-mounting work could be carried out there with slight modification of the equipment in the Royal Carriage Department, and that full consideration should be given to the resources of the 644 Arsenal in distributing orders; and, seeing that the superintendent in his evidence said they could do this work economically, does he now see his way clear to place an order at the Arsenal?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reasons which, in 1907, led to not adopting the proposals contained in this Report still hold good. It is not at present intended to place orders with the Royal Arsenal for heavy gun-mountings, but every endeavour is made to place as many orders as practicable with that factory.
§ Mr. CROOKSI am not concerned about the orders. What I am asking is whether the right hon. Gentleman will use the facilities which are at his own service rather than go outside? You are neglecting your own opportunities.