§ 28. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply what use is now being made of the factory at Girvan, Ayrshire; and whether he is satisfied that it is not possible to use it to give greater employment in the area.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorThe present requirements of the Service Departments would not justify reopening the factory, which is on a care-and-maintenance basis.
§ Mr. HughesIs this "hard-headed business man from Yorkshire" aware that for many years this factory has been hired out to I.C.I., and that the benefit is far greater to I.C.I. than to the Government? Will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter?
§ Mr. TaylorThis is a question of the Service Departments' requirements for particular materials made in this factory. There has been no use for this factory. It has special plant, and the plant cannot be used for commercial purposes. In view of the declining requirements of the Service Departments for explosives, it is impossible to carry on this factory in the way that it used to be carried on up to 1945.