§ 62. Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Minister of Munitions if he will state how many national munition factories have been established in Ireland; if all the necessary machinery for the manufacture of shells has been supplied to such factory or factories; and if it is his intention to establish one filling factory at least in Ireland?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEOne national munition factory has been established in Ireland. Part of the machinery has been delivered and is at work producing shell. With regard to the last part of the question, it is not at present intended to establish a filling factory in. Ireland as the output of shell in Ireland does not justify the erection of a special filling factory.
§ Mr. MEEHANCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the remainder of the machinery will be supplied?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEIt is coming from America and for machine makers in this country. The Irish factory is getting its proportion. We are distributing it according to the quantity received. I cannot tell my hon. Friend when the rest will come.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say if the men who are idle owing to the non-arrival of this machinery are entitled to exemption by the tribunals?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question is not relevant to the one on the Paper.