HC Deb 10 February 1932 vol 261 cc852-3
69. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what annual savings are estimated as the result of closing the Pimlico clothing factory; and if he can state the particular departments and amounts in which estimated savings will be made?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY

to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper): As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst. As regards the second part, broadly speaking the saving represents the difference between the cost which would have been incurred in wages and overheads in manufacturing the clothing in question at Pimlico and the cost of purchasing and inspecting the same clothing if obtained from the trade. Allowance has been made for the possibility that a small factory may still be needed for the manufacture of full dress.

Mr. LAWSON

In view of the fact that so many people will lose their employment, and that it is an old establishment which has rendered very special services, will the hon. Gentleman allow this matter to remain over until the House has had an opportunity of discussing it?

Mr. COOPER

I am afraid the decision has been taken, but we are doing everything we can to find other employment for those who will lose their jobs.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that in this matter the Government are actuated by considerations of economy, and that this is not an attack upon State enterprise for its own sake?

Mr. COOPER

Yes, Sir.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

As it was stated the other day that over 600 people will be displaced by the closing down of this factory, and that if these 600 people are unemployed it will cost £25,000 in unemployment pay, where is the saving?

Mr. LAWSON

I wish to give notice that I shall raise this question on the first available opportunity.

70. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many workers, male and female, will lose their employment as the result of the closing of the Pimlico clothing factory?

Mr. COOPER

The decision to close down the factory will ultimately involve the discharge of approximately 515 female and 75 male employés.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Is the hon. Member able to give us an assurance that the conditions in these private factories will be at least no worse than in the publicly owned?