HC Deb 28 March 1935 vol 299 cc2079-80
52. Captain ARTHUR EVANS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that objection has been taken by certain authorities to a Welsh site for the Arsenal on the grounds that difficulties might arise in connection with the supply of labour in West and South Wales, and that the project is likely to be abandoned and a site chosen near Maryport, in Cumberland, in preference; and whether he will define the difficulties which are anticipated in South Wales but not in Cumberland?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking

I am not aware of the objections and preferences suggested in the question.

Captain EVAN

Am I to gather from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the statement which appeared in the "Daily Herald" and which is set out in the question is an absolutely unnecessary insult to the working people in South Wales and that there is not the slightest truth in the statement made?

Mr. HACKING

I saw the statement. I understand it said that authorities had taken objection, but it did not say what the authorities were so that we could get no further.

Mr. HICKS

In view of the conflict of opinion as to the wisdom of putting the Arsenal in any one part of Great Britain, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the necessity for it remaining in Woolwich?