HC Deb 18 September 1950 vol 478 cc1536-7
28. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Supply how far the Royal ordnance factories are still manufacturing articles for sale for civilian use.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Civil work at the Royal ordnance factories is now at an annual rate of about £2 million.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether steps have been taken to reduce it?

Mr. Strauss

It has gradually been reduced during the last two years, but we still desire to do a certain amount of civil work to keep going and active certain Royal ordnance factories for which we have no orders at the moment.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Should there be any slackness at Royal ordnance factories in view of the necessity of rearmament?

Mr. Strauss

There are certain Royal ordnance factories which have not sufficient armament orders at the moment to keep them going fully. It may be that orders will come later.