§ 60. Mr. HUGH MORRISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if any decision has been come to as to the future of the Government flax factories; what sum has been spent on them during the present year; and whether any further expenditure is being incurred on them at the present time?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Board, in conjunction with the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board, are offering for 808 sale the whole undertaking, including the factories. An advertisement inviting tenders has appeared in the Press, and offers are being received.
I understand from the Office of Works, who erect and equip the factories, that the capital expenditure already met during the current financial year is approximately £340,000. Work is proceeding for their completion, and it is estimated that the commitments for that purpose amount to approximately £280,000. On the general financial position of the enterprise I may refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the question of the hon. Member for Wirral on the 29th October.