ASSEMBLY SHED, WOODFORD, CHESHIRE. (Hansard, 8 February 1939)

§ 33. Mr. Rhys Davies
asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the strong feeling aroused locally against erecting an aeroplane works at Woodford, Cheshire, on the grounds that the area has been zoned for residential purposes and that there is no unemployment there; and will he consider placing this works in some district in Lancashire where unemployment is heavy and where facilities are abundant?

§ Sir K. Wood
The arrangement to which the hon. Member refers does not involve the establishment of a complete new aeroplane factory but the erection of an assembly shed, at Government expense. This will be an essential and urgent addition to the existing works of A. V. Roe and Company to enable that firm to execute important orders for aircraft required for the Royal Air Force as well as to undertake the assembly of aircraft parts to be made by another organisation. It was necessary that this assembly shed should be alongside the firm's existing aerodrome and accordingly it was not possible to locate it elsewhere. I am 931 satisfied that, for technical reasons as well as the urgent need for early completion, the erection of the assembly shed on the site chosen at Woodford was the only practicable course. I am aware of the local feeling in certain quarters against this choice but I am satisfied, after most careful examination, that having regard to the needs of National Defence no other course was possible.

§ Mr. Davies
In establishing these factories, is the right hon. Gentleman acting in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour with a view to trying to help to solve in some part the unemployment problem, and is he aware that there is no unemployment problem in the district where this works is being established?

§ Sir K. Wood
In reply to the first part of the question, we are in close association with the Ministry of Labour with regard to employment, and I know the hon. Gentleman will be glad to hear that we are making considerable progress in this direction.

§ Mr. Davies
Where?

§ Sir K. Wood
As regards the second part of the question, the location of this particular shed is necessitated by the reasons I gave in the original answer.

§ Mr. Davies
Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us where is the main establishment?

§ Sir K. Wood
As I stated in my answer, the urgent need is that the erection of the assembly shed shall be on the site chosen at Woodford, which is the only practical site available.