HC Deb 02 October 1931 vol 257 cc695-6
1. Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHT

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the amount paid by Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Company for the acquisition of the national ordnance factory at Nottingham under an agreement with the War Office, dated 16th November, 1923?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)

In pursuance of the promise given to the hon. and learned Member on 27th July by the late Financial Secretary to the Treasury, further consideration has been given to this matter. The price realised was£440,000, including certain plant and machinery and subject to the conditions attached to the sale.

Mr. KNIGHT

I thank the hon. Member for the information. May I ask whether he is aware that these works are about to close down, thus throwing into unemployment many hundreds of skilled and deserving workers?

Mr. COOPER

The Government are not responsible for that.

Mr. KNIGHT

I do not suggest that they are; but I ask for some consideration for them.

Mr. KELLY

Can the right hon. Member say whether the figure was fixed by arbitration or by negotiation between the firm and the Department?

Mr. COOPER

I think by negotiation.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

The Government appear to have made a very good bargain and Messrs. Cammell and Laird are probably very sorry that they bought the place.