§ 36. Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that at Micheldean, Gloucestershire, three works have been closed down since the signing of the Armistice; the cement works, which formerly employed 200 persons, the brick works, which employed 150 persons, and the Wickpool iron mine, which employed about 100 persons; and whether, in view of the importance of the pro- 1348 duction of building material, he will consider the possibility of the Government taking over the brick and cement works, and also continuing the development of the iron-ore mines, and thus provide employment for the returned soldiers who are at present in receipt of unemployment benefit?
§ The DEPUTY-MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)I have been asked to answer this question. I am making inquiries into the cases mentioned by my hon. Friend, and will communicate with him on the subject as soon as possible.