§ 29. Mr. N. MACLEANasked tire Minister of Labour whether the Government are closing down the Royal Naval Ammunition Factory at Alexandra; whether this means the unemployment of several thousands of people; whether they have received offers to purchase this factory from several private firms for the purpose of engaging in other civil industrial work; whether the Government is considering these offers with a view to handing it over to private enterprise; and whether, in view of the demands being made for Government control of industry, he can see his way to recommend to the Government the continuing of this factory for the purpose of producing locomotives or other rolling stock for transport?
§ Mr. LONGI have been asked to answer this question. Instructions were given in October to close down this factory as an Admiralty establishment, and it is expected that this will be completed by the end of the year. Reductions in labour staff have been effected gradually, and there are now less than 800 borne. The factory was handed over to the Disposal Board on the 8th November last. and steps are being taken by that Board to effect an early sale to a private firm. I understand that up to the present no definite offer has been received, but several inquiries have been made. Quick sale was urged upon the Disposal Board, so that if possible the remaining workmen might be taken over by the Purchasing firm. I do not think it will be practicable to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of my hon. Friend's question.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhy was it only as late as last October that this decision was taken?
§ Mr. LONGI could not say without notice. I imagine it was because, in the opinion of those responsible, that was the first time it was possible to come to that decision.
§ Mr. MACLEANWhat commodities were being produced in that factory from the Armistice until October?
§ Mr. LONGI have not the slightest idea. If the hon. Member wants that information no doubt I can get it for him.
§ Mr. CHADWICKDoes the right hon. Gentleman accede, or does he not, to the suggestion contained in the question that neither he nor the Government is moved in any way by the suggested demand for Governmental control of industry; and further, is the Government moving in the direction of decontrol of industry and commerce as fast as circumstances permit?
§ Mr. LONGThe hon. Member asks me a set of questions which, so far as I can gather, have no relation to the Board of Admiralty. I have answered the last part of the question. With regard to the decontrol of labour I refer him to the answer I have given.