§ 61. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed on Thursday, 6th. March, by a representative meeting of the employés of the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, and the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock, and residents in and around Waltham Abbey and Waltham Cross, protesting against the closing down of the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, and the wholesale discharge of men from the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock; and whether he will instruct the Ministry concerned to refrain from taking any action to this end pending an inquiry into the matter?
§ 70. Mr. THOMAS GRIFFITHSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that concern is being felt amongst the workpeople employed at Waltham Abbey and the community generally regarding the future of the gunpowder factory; whether the views of representative workmen as to the utility of this factory are being considered; and whether he can give, an assurance that there is no intention of closing the factory?
§ 132. Colonel BOWLESasked the Secretary of State for War if the military advisers to the War Council have considered the question of the removal of the Royal Gunpowder Factory from Waltham Abbey to Gretna; and if it is desirable to retain it nearer our Southern and Western ports?
Mr. HOPEI am aware that concern is felt among the workpeople employed at the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, and at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, on account of the large number of discharges which have inevitably taken place since the signature of the Armistice. As regards Waltham Abbey, I can only say that the future of the factory is receiving very serious consideration and that an announcement on the subject will be made as soon as possible. With regard to Enfield, it is proposed to reduce the number of workpeople to approximately the pre-war establishment.
§ 95. Sir A. WARRENasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any information from the Ministry of Munitions in connection with the closing of the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, and also the proposed discharge of men from the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock; and, if so, what arrangements he has made, if any, to deal with the unemployment which will be occasioned in the districts affected?
§ Sir R. HORNEI understand that the future of the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey is now receiving careful consideration. I have been informed of the discharges of workpeople which are taking place from the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock. In reply to the second part of the question, the Enfield Local Advisory Committee have made suggestions with a view to the provision of employment, and these are receiving careful consideration. I fear, however, that it may not be possible to revive employment in the area so as to give immediate relief.