§ 63. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Weserhutte factory at Bad Salzuflen has been declared a Category 1 plant, in view of the fact that it is largely occupied in making excavators, road-making and other machinery.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)I think my hon. Friend refers to the Weserhutte Works at Bad Oeynhaüsen. This factory has been declared a Category 1 plant because even before 1939 it made mountings for 37 millimetre guns and was expanded during the war to produce parts for guns of other calibres and for armoured fighting vehicles. Our reparations plan provides for the retention of more capacity 2094 for the manufacture of excavators and similar machinery than it would be possible to use for some considerable time because of the shortage of fuel and materials.
§ Mr. StokesIs my hon. Friend aware that any engineering works of this kind can make 37 millimetre mountings? I have done it myself. Is he further aware that this factory was engaged in manufacturing mining machinery, which has been stopped, and the miners are going without? Will my hon. Friend look into that?
§ Mr. MayhewI will look into it, but the facts are as I have stated.