HC Deb 03 November 1949 vol 469 cc570-1
12. Mr. Austin

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish in HANSARD a list of Government-owned factories at present leased to private enterprise.

Mr. H. Wilson

Some 1,300 factories are involved. Since the details asked for would occupy so much space in the OFFICIAL REPORT, I will send the information to my hon. Friend and to any other hon. Members who would be interested to have it.

Mr. Austin

In view of the fact that many hon. Members in this House are concerned with these factories in their Divisions, could not we have this published in HANSARD; and, secondly, in view of the fact that these factories were leased in the nation's interests, will my right hon. Friend have a survey carried out to see whether they are used to the utmost capacity?

Mr. Wilson

As I said, this is a tremendously long list and would take several pages in HANSARD. I will consider what publicity can be given to it, and I can make a copy available to the Library and lend one to any hon. Member who would like to have it.