§ 1. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he will now announce his programme of production for civilian consumption for those royal ordnance factories it is proposed to keep in production.
§ The Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production (Mr. John Wilmot)Orders for civil requirements, including housing fitments, are being placed with the Royal Ordnance factories and are being undertaken as quickly as conversion of equipment and retooling of the factories permit. Further civil work will be placed with these factories as necessary.
§ 2. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production what was the prewar establishment of the Enfield Royal Ordnance factory; the peak number employed during the war; and at the latest available date.
§ Mr. WilmotThe normal peace-time complement of the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, varied between 800 and 1,200. Just before the outbreak of war it rose to 4,000 and reached its peak strength of 6,310 in June, 1942. On 9th February last its strength was 1,764.
§ Mr. DaviesCan the Minister give any assurance that there will be no further reduction of staff in the Royal Ordnance Factory at Enfield?
§ Mr. WilmotI am afraid not.