§ 81. Mr. ROSEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the cost to the State of the residential buildings, hutments, and amenities erected in connection with the Gretna Green explosives factory; and the average number of persons employed from September, 1916, to the end of September, 1918?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe answer to the first part of the question is £1,237,000, and to the second 18,117, including those employed on construction, taking the period of December, 1916, to September, 884 1918. This figure was included in the sum of £9,184,000 which I gave to the hon. Member on 7th August last.
§ Mr. BILLINGHow many are employed at the factory at present?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI would not give the definite figure, but it is round about 3,000.
§ 82. Mr. ROSEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the site of the Gretna Green factory was acquired by purchase or on terms of rentals; and the cost of the site of the factory, railways, and roadways, and all land occupied by the State in connection with the undertaking?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe site of the Gretna Green factory was taken over under the Defence of the Realm Act. Terms have been agreed in respect of five-sixths of the area, comprising some 7,700 acres, for £189,000. Until terms have been Settled for the remaining one-sixth of the area now under negotiation I cannot definitely reply to the last part of the question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYFor what is the factory now used?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIt is at present engaged in producing a certain amount of cordite, which will be used for Army requirements.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODRussia!