§ 47. Mr. Kellyasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the number of factories now being erected and for which he has undertaken financial responsibility; and whether they have reached a stage of progress satisfactory to his Department?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)I have undertaken no financial responsibility for any factories under the Rearmament Programme, this being a matter for the Service Ministers. The number of factories in course of erection at Government expense is 18. The progress being made on them is regarded as generally satisfactory.
§ Mr. KellyHave any complaints been lodged with the Department as to the 2199 position with regard to these factories, some of which are a long way behind what is expected of them?
§ Sir T. InskipNo, I cannot accept the latter statement. No complaint has reached me.
§ 48. Mr. Kellyasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the number of men employed on the building and construction of factories for the munition work for his Department on the first week in June, 1937, and the first week in July, 1937?
§ Sir T. InskipI am informed that the number of men employed on the building and construction of factories being erected at Government expense for munition work during the first week in June was 3,970, and during the first week in July was 4,234.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDoes that include the factories built by private manufacturers with Government guarantee against loss?
§ Sir T. InskipThese are factories which are being erected at Government expense.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs not the Minister aware that the erection of these factories is being rushed at an unprecedented pace, to the detriment of house-building, particularly in Scotland?
§ Sir T. InskipI have no information to that effect.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWell, you are getting it now.
§ 49. Mr. Kellyasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the plans have been completed for the factories required by his Department; and, if not, will he say when it is expected to complete the plans?
§ Sir T. InskipThe position is that factory plans are substantially completed on the basis of present requirements.
§ Mr. KellyWill the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that each of the contractors who is engaged upon the erection of these factories will be supplied with the plans within six months of starting work?
§ Sir T. InskipI am not sure what circumstances the hon. Member has in mind. I have no reason to suppose that there has been any delay in the preparation of plans.
§ Mr. KellyIf the right hon. Gentleman's attention is called to one case where they have been engaged on the work for six months and have not yet received the plans, will he deal with the matter?
§ Sir T. InskipI shall be pleased to have any help which the hon. Member can give me in hastening the work.