HC Deb 02 February 1956 vol 548 cc1060-1
19. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet in a position to make a statement about the reallocation of the factory on the Huyton Industrial Estate formerly occupied by Hosemaster Limited, who ceased production in August last.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Hosemaster Limited have not, after all, quitted this factory, as certain developments are in progress which may result in their resuming production.

Mr. Wilson

Since the factory has remained empty and idle since last August, is it not about time the President took steps about allocating it for full production, as promised in the House last October? Is he aware that the developments to which he refers are believed by many people to be an attempt to buy up this factory or this company, with all its tax losses, for the purpose of setting them against Income Tax rather than for maintaining full production and full employment?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think that perhaps the best thing would be for the right hon. Gentleman to have a word with me about this. I shall be happy to listen to anything he has to say about it and I will give him all the information I can.

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