§ 49. Mr. CECIL WILSONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that armament firms have since 1918 kept considerable quantities of plant available for possible Government requirements and at Government request; and that much of the plant has lain idle but that rates have been charged upon it; and whether he proposes either to sanction the conversion of such plant or to make some allowance to the firms, or whether they will be expected to recoup themselves in the event of a call being made upon the plant?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)I have been asked to reply. The Admiralty have this matter constantly under consideration with reference to the amount of naval work available. I may say, however, that, apart from the fact that some of the plant has been diverted to the manufacture of commercial products, much of it has been utilised in the manufacture of armour and armaments of ships constructed, reconstructed or laid down since 1918.