§ 58. Mr. Sydney Silvermanasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether any decision has been taken as to the future use of Bankfield Shed, Barnoldswick; and whether this mill, together with others of a like capacity, will be retained by the Government as model or experimental factories.
§ Mr. J. WilmotIt is not intended to continue permanently at Bankfield Shed, Barnoldswick, the research and development work now being carried out there but, until post-war defence requirements have been more closely assessed, it will not be practicable to say how soon the building can be made available for other use. Insofar as the question refers to other mills, perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to specify the mills he has in mind.
§ Mr. SilvermanDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that this mill and a number of others are specially equipped and that their technical equipment and development are far beyond those of the ordinary factory, and would he, therefore, give some answer to the latter part of the Question on the Paper?
§ Mr. WilmotIt is not possible to give a detailed answer without knowing which mills my hon. Friend has in mind but it is necessary, in deciding which particular plants are to be retained on specific research work, to review the whole research facilities available and to determine in accordance with the public need.