§ 30 and 31. Mr. Mayhewasked the Minister of Supply (1) what action was taken by his Department, prior to 31st October, 1953, to implement proposals for the future of Woolwich Arsenal, contrary to his undertaking that consideration would be given to local representations before any action was taken;
(2) whether he is aware of the anxiety being fell about the future of Woolwich Arsenal; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Duncan Sandys)The hon. Member is quite incorrect in suggesting that any action has been taken to implement the tentative proposals for the future of Woolwich Arsenal, which I announced to the House on 27th July. I am at present examining the comments which I have received from persons and organisations concerned. I then propose to have a meeting myself at the Arsenal with representatives of the workpeople, in order to discuss the whole problem with them. Meanwhile, I confirm that no final decisions of any kind are being taken on these proposals.
§ Mr. MayhewWill the Minister give an assurance that the fullest weight will be given to the very constructive memorandum forwarded to him by the combined shop stewards committee, and also the assurance that his statement that no action will be taken will cover his meeting with the shop stewards, and that no action will be taken before that meeting?
§ Mr. SandysI have already made it quite clear in my answer, which could not have been more categorical, that no action has been taken and that no decision will be taken until these discussions are completed. As for the memorandum, that is one of the things which I propose to discuss with the workpeople at the meeting at the Arsenal to which I referred.