§ 75. Mr. ROSEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the National Shell Factory at St. Philip's Marsh, Bristol, has been bought on behalf of E. S. and A. Robinson, a firm of manufacturing stationers, at the price of £18,300; what was the original cost of the building of this factory, together with its equipment with electric power, light, railway sidings, etc.; whether he can say to what purpose the firm which has now purchased it proposes to use it; and whether, in building the factory, the Government had before it any specifications from any firm designed to fit the factory for the fulfilment of post-war requirements?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe facts are as stated in the first part of the question. The building, sold for £18,300, was erected some years before the War. It was bought by the Government for £6,000, whilst £10,600 was spent on adaptation, heating, drainage, and sidings. As to part three of the question I have no official information.