§ 82. Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Munitions on what terms Messrs. Waring and Gillow's Alliance Aeroplane Factory has been taken over as a settlement of the recent strike; and whether it is proposed to take any others over on the same terms?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)As was announced in an official communication which appeared in the Press yesterday, the Alliance Aeroplane Erecting Shop has been taken over by the Ministry of Munitions as a national factory. The superintendent of the Royal Aircraft Factory, Farnborough, has been called in temporarily to manage the factory pending the appointment of a new permanent manager. The financial terms of the transfer are not finally settled. The question of taking similar action in other cases must depend on the facts in each case.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe financial arrangements incidental to taking over the factory have not been completed, and I cannot make an announcement with regard to it.
§ Mr. ROCHSurely he can say whether it is the intention to purchase out and out? I am not asking the price.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI cannot answer as to that. A good deal would depend on the conditions as to whether purchase out and out will be adopted.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI should be able to give a definite reply at the beginning of next week.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan my hon. Friend say whether this is taken over under the Defence of the Realm Act or under the Munitions of War Act, or what statutory power is employed for the purchase, and if he can say that he can surely say whether it is to be purchased?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI believe it will be taken over under the Defence of the Realm Act.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIf it is taken over under the Defence of the Realm Act, is there any power to purchase?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYMy hon. and learned Friend is a lawyer, and I am not.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill care be taken to see that no money is paid for the goodwill of the business, and that it is taken simply at its value?