§ 21. Mr. Manningham-Bullerasked the Secretary of State for War whether the decision to concentrate ordnance work at three large depots is based upon military or economic grounds.
§ Mr. LawsonNo decision has been given to concentrate the work at three depots, although it is hoped to concentrate it at about nine or ten, depending on postwar requirements. The depots are being selected on both military and economic grounds.
22. Mr. Manningbam-Bullerasked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons now employed at Weedon Ordnance Depot who will cease to be employed there as a result of the transfer of work from there to Bicester.
§ Mr. LawsonThe work of nearly 50 clerks is being transferred, but I understand that most, if not all, of those now employed on it have either accepted the offer of transfer to Bicester with the work or can probably be fitted into other posts at Weedon.
Mr. Manningham-Buller: Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that those who have been employed for so long at Weedon have been faced with the alternative either of unemployment or separation from their homes and families?
§ Mr. LawsonI understand that a few of these men have resigned. It is not expected that there will be any difficulty in absorbing at Weedon those who wish to remain.
§ 23. Mr. Manningham-Bullerasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of houses it is proposed to build at Bicester to accommodate civilians transferred there from other depots.
§ Mr. LawsonIt is not within my province to build houses for civilian employees at depots, except for a few key personnel who must live on the premises. The civilian labour will be drawn as far as possible from neighbouring towns, but if any extra local housing appears to be necessary when the permanent establishment is fixed, I shall bring the point to 196 the notice of the civil authorities concerned. The accommodation of any transferred personnel will also be dealt with by the civil authorities.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIs there any accommodation at Bicester for transferred personnel from Weedon, and are they now to be accommodated in a hostel on the site provided by the War Office?
§ Mr. LawsonI could not answer that question, I should like to see it on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at an early opportunity, I hope; on the Motion for the Adjournment.