§ 22. Sir Frank Sandersonasked the Minister of Aircraft Production if he has any Statement to make with regard to the acquisition by his Ministry of the British Manufacturing and Research Company Limited, and in regard to the proposed change of management; and whether he can state the respective costs of the products made by the British Manufacturing and Research Company, Limited, and by' the company whose management it proposed to introduce at the factory of the British Manufacturing and Research Company, Limited.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)My Department has agreed to acquire from the British Manufacturing and Research Company, Ltd., certain assets owned by the company, but this transaction does not involve a change of management. Discussions have taken place regarding the acquisition of all the assets of the company, but my right hon. Friend has decided not to pursue negotiations to that end. The last part of the Question does not arise.
§ Sir F. SandersonIs it not a fact that this company under its present management has achieved outstandingly successful production results On a highly-specialised weapon, at a time when it was most needed?
§ Mr. Lennox - BoydThe financial negotiations certainly caused a good deal of difficulty, but from the, production 1336 angle we are certainly satisfied with the gun we have got.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallHas not the company agreed to the purchase of these assets, and would not the purchase be in line with the report of the Public Accounts Committee?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertain suggestions were made to the company some time ago, for the acquisition of the assets, but they proved unacceptable to the company.