HC Deb 13 July 1938 vol 338 cc1318-9
51. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether reasonable preference will be given to men resident in South Cheshire and North Staffordshire during the erection of the new factory at Crewe; and when production commences?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I am informed that preference is being given to local men by the contractors at this factory and that the same policy, as far as possible, will be followed when production commences.

52. Mr. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement about the aero-engine works that are to be erected at Crewe; who is to finance the concern; who will own the factory; and at what date it is intended that production shall commence?

Sir K. Wood

The factory at Crewe is being erected to supplement the existing capacity for the manufacture of Rolls-Royce types of aero-engine. The State will finance the capital charges involved in the erection and equipment of the factory, will own it and will lease it to Messrs. Rolls-Royce for the production of the engines required. It is not at present possible to state definitely when produc- tion will commence, but it is hoped that the factory will be substantially complete in about six months time.