§ 3. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Supply what action is taken by his Department to ensure that goods made at royal ordnance factories are produced at economic prices as compared with outside production.
§ Mr. WilmotCivil work is undertaken only where it is economic to do so. Materials and components are purchased by normal commercial methods, production is efficiently organised and the costing system is checked by independent accountants. The general test of economic price is the acceptance of tenders by firms or Government Departments who have invited them.
§ Mr. ShepherdAs the Minister has taken these extensive steps to ensure economic production, will he give examples of royal ordnance factories producing something at a price which meets the consumer demand?
§ Mr. WilmotSince a number of the products of royal ordnance factories are bought by private firms in preference to the products of private firms elsewhere, I assume that the price is right.
§ Mr. OsborneHave the royal ordnance factories been subjected to the same proportionate cuts in fuel supplies as other factories?
§ Mr. WilmotYes, Sir.
§ 8. Mr. W. Shepherdasked the Minister of Supply what is the total area of royal ordnance factories; and what was the total output in 1946.
§ Mr. WilmotThe total estate area is 6,861 acres and the estimated value of the output in 1946 was approximately £20 million.
§ Mr. ShepherdHow many people are now employed in these factories compared with before the war?
§ Mr. WilmotI think I had better have notice of that Question, because the number changes from week to week.