HC Deb 01 March 1916 vol 80 cc1165-6

Motion made, and Question proposed,

12. "That a sum, not exceeding £1,000, be granted to His Majesty to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1916, for the Expenses of the Ordnance Factories, the cost of the production of which will be charged to the Army, Navy, Ministry of Munitions, and Indian and Colonial Governments etc."

Sir H. DALZIEL

Some time ago, soon after the trouble with regard to shells arose, I was bold enough to make a demand that the ordnance factories should be taken from the War Office and placed under the Ministry of Munitions. At that time the suggestion met with a good deal of censure, but that transfer appears now to have been completed. I would like to ask if it has been absolutely completed and if it is working smoothly?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes; the transfer of all the ordnance factories, so far as they manufacture or supply, is entirely under the Ministry of Munitions. As my right hon. Friend knows, there are in close association with some of the ordnance factories certain storehouses, and so on, which belong to the Quartermaster-General of the Department, and they are not under the Ministry of Munitions; but, so far as the manufacture and production of supplies arc concerned, they are entirely under the Ministry of Munitions.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolutions to be reported to-morrow (Thursday); Committee to sit again to-morrow.

The Order remaining (Ways and Means) was read, and postponed.

Whereupon Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of the 21st February, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."

Question put, and agreed to.

Adjourned accordingly at Thirteen minutes after Nine o'clock.