§ 50. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware that there are in the town of Dumfries large works lying idle, formerly owned by the Arrol-Johnston and Aster Engineering Company, Limited; why these works have been neglected when large buildings are being erected in many parts of the country in connection with the rearmament programme; and whether he will endeavour to make early use of these works and thus avoid unnecessary building and also provide employment for the people of this part of the world?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)Yes, Sir. The buildings referred to by the hon. Member have been brought to my notice on several occasions, and at the request of my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Fildes) I have personally and at great length investigated the case with the assistance of the Service Departments. I regret that it has not been found possible to make use of them in connection with the current Defence Programme.
§ 51. Mr. A. Jenkinsasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the number of works and/or factories to be established in Monmouthshire by the Service Departments, the sites selected, and when the works will be commenced?
§ Sir T. InskipI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works on 20th December, 1937, regarding the factory to be erected at Usk in Monmouthshire. There are also proposals under consideration for the erection of another factory at a site in Monmouthshire, but I regret that it is not possible to make any further statement at this stage.
§ Mr. JenkinsHas a definite decision been arrived at by the Government with regard to placing the second factory?
§ Sir T. InskipI do not know what the hon. Member means by "a definite decision," but the final formalities have not yet been completed.