HC Deb 20 March 1952 vol 497 cc2542-3
34. Mr. Burke

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if, in order to relieve unemployment in Burnley, he will put into use the Magnesium Elektron factory at Lowerhouse which the Government built at a cost of over £4 million, during the war and which is now standing idle.

The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. Henry Hopkinson)

This was one of the factories erected to meet war-time requirements of magnesium. Present requirements are being met from other sources much more economically than would be possible at Lowerhouse, and as things are at present we do not need the output of the plant.

Mr. Burke

Does the Minister realise that this factory is situated in an area of great unemployment, that hundreds could be absorbed in this manufacture, and that it is an adequate substitute for steel in many cases? Why should we import it when the raw materials are at hand in this country?

Mr. Hopkinson

This factory is being managed on a care and maintenance basis for use in time of war. If we were to try to put it back into production now, it would cost about £1 million and the production would be far less economic than other sources of production. There are also difficulties in regard to supplies of chlorine and magnesia.

Mr. Burke

Are there no vested interests behind this factory which are keeping it idle?

Mr. Hopkinson

Not so far as I am aware.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a far better way of treating unemployment in Burnley would be to cancel all Purchase Tax on Manchester textiles for the next 12 months?