17. Mr. Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the disposal of the Howden Flax Mill closed down by his Department two years ago.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganNegotiations for the sale of this property have reached an advanced stage.
Mr. JegerIs the Minister of State aware that there is a rumour in the neighbourhood that restrictions are placed upon the use to which this factory may be put and that that has held up 180 the sale and disposal of it up to now? Will the hon. Gentleman agree that no restrictions should be placed upon it so that the factory may be used as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI cannot make any further comment on the negotiations which are proceeding at the present time, but I will note the hon. Gentleman's remark.
18. Mr. Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the Government flax mills are still unoccupied; and what steps are being taken to put them into use for the alleviation of local unemployment.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganEight of the ten Government flax factories have now been disposed of, another is about to be sold and an offer is being considered for the remaining one.
Mr. JegerHave the factories which have been sold been put into occupation and use, or are they lying idle?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganOne of the factors in disposing of them is the amount of employment likely to be offered.