§ 61. Mr. BROTHERTONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any records are retained relating to the cost of new buildings erected on the estate of the No. 2 National Factory, Hunslet, Leeds, and which was used by the Ministry of Transport for a short time; and if the full amount, in detail, is available that the sale of machinery, etc., realised from that factory?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThese premises were taken over under the Defence of the Realm Act in 1916. The approximate expenditure on new buildings was £38,000 and on alterations and improvements to buildings existing when the premises were taken over, £22,000. As regards the second part of the question, considerable clerical labour would be involved in searching through the sale accounts for these details, which it is regretted the Department cannot undertake with the present depleted clerical staff.
§ Mr. BROTHERTONIs the right hon. Baronet aware that at this particular place there were four immense bays built on this ground which the Minister of Transport in the late Government used for transport purposes, and that each one was equipped with one of the finest electrical cranes available? What has become of that property? Has it been handed over to the owner of the land? And what has become of the equipment?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am sure the hon. Member must see I cannot carry all these details in my head. I must ask for notice of the question.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan we have the full amount realised by the sale of the factory?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will give it if a question be put down.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIt is part of the question.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSOh, yes, I see I have not the full details, but will get them if asked.