HC Deb 18 November 1918 vol 110 cc3178-9
20. Mr. WATT

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that on an application being made in October by a Glasgow firm for permission to purchase second-hand machinery for the manufacture of clog soles his Department refused to grant this permission, although the machinery wanted was second-hand and was standing unutilised; is he aware that this clog sole manufacturing was entirely in the hands of the Germans before the War; that this was a Scottish attempt to capture the trade; that a large portion of these clogs, if manufactured, would be used by our munition workers; and will he explain the reasons for this refusal

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

I assume that this question refers to an application made on the 7th June last by A. Scott and W. J. Calder, of Partick, Glasgow, for three woodwork- ing machines, two of which were in stock at Wylie and Company's premises in Glasgow. The Glasgow Area Board refused to recommend the release of these machines on the grounds:—

  1. (a) That Messrs. Scott and Calder had no premises in which to instal them.
  2. (b) That a statement made by Scott and Calder to the effect that they had a standing order for 1,500 clog soles from Mr. Moffat of 25, London Street, Glasgow, was not correct, Mr. Moffat stating that he had placed no order with Scott and Calder, neither had he any knowledge of them.
In these circumstances my right hon. Friend sees no reason for overruling the decision of the Glasgow Area Board.

Mr. WATT

Is this the way in which the Government is going to encourage our manufacturers to get hold of this German trade?

Mr. KELLAWAY

When this application was made in June there was pressing need for machinery of this kind for aircraft, and it was held to be of more importance at the time.

Sir E. CARSON

Will the application be reconsidered if it be made now?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Certainly. The embargo on the sale of second-hand machinery has been removed.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Is there any reason why this Department should be continued at all?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman must give notice.