HC Deb 09 May 1957 vol 569 cc1167-8
28. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Government flax mills are still operating; and his intentions regarding their continuation.

Sir D. Eccles

Four Government flax mills are still operating, but are expected to close in the present financial year. A fifth at Howden, Yorkshire, will close on 15th May.

Mr. Jeger

Will not the Minister reconsider his decision to close the factories in view of the appalling loss which the Government suffered on the sale of the equipment at Howden? Would it not be far better to keep the mills going?

Sir D. Eccles

I think that the hon. Member is wrong. When the decision to close them was taken, the loss to the Exchequer on them was running at £500,000 a year.