§ 59. Mr. Lyonsasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether his attention has been called to the circumstances of the fire which occurred on Saturday at the electrical vehicle works of Messrs. Partridge, Wilson, and Company, Limited, Evington Valley Road, Leicester, and the serious consequences entailed, particularly in the transformer and winding shops; and whether he can make any statement as to the delay which will be necessitated in the contracts of this firm for defence materials or to the cause of the outbreak of this fire?
§ Sir T. InskipI understand that a fire occurred in the coil winding and impregnating plant in these works but I have as yet no information regarding the cause. With regard to the last part of the question, no serious difficulty or delay in the completion of contracts for the Defence Departments is anticipated as a result of this fire.
§ Mr. LyonsWill my right hon. Friend be in a position to give the cause of this fire, so far as it can be ascertained?
§ Sir T. InskipAs I have said, I have as yet no information as to the cause, but if my hon. Friend desires me to inquire I will see whether I can obtain the information.