§ 27. Mr. G. Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade how much was realised by the sale of the equipment at the Howden Flax Mill on 3rd May; what was its original cost; and what was its book value at the time of the sale.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe sale took place by public auction on 2nd May. The preliminary estimate of the gross sum realised is £3,350. The original cost of the equipment included in the auction sale was £62,906 and the written-down value at the date of the sale was £16,689. Much of the plant and machinery had little more than scrap value since it was obsolete and of no use to any other industry.
§ Mr. JegerIs not the President surprised at the great loss which has been incurred? Would it not have been a much better idea to have kept the factory going, since it is making flax and goods of strategic value?
§ Sir D. EcclesIt is now two years since any flax has been grown under the flax scheme. There is, therefore, no flax to manufacture.