§ 43. Sir THOMAS ESMONDEasked the Minister of Munitions the result of recent inquiries in Ireland as to the increasing of the output of munitions from that country; and what factories have been opened, or are likely to be opened, consequent on that inquiry?
§ Mr. KELLAWAY (Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions)It is not clear to what special inquiry the hon. Member refers. My right hon. Friend is kept continually informed of the possibilities of increasing the output of munitions from Ireland, and has recently very carefully reviewed the whole position. As a result of that review, it is hoped to extend one of the national factories, and instructions have been given to press on the completion of a certain cartridge factory. These two extensions will result in the employment of several hundreds more hands. The hon. Member is doubtless aware that large orders for ammunition boxes have recently been placed with Irish firms.