§ 32. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Supply if he is now in a position to make a further statement about the disposal of 904 the Royal Ordnance factory at Swynnerton.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorNo, Sir. Proposals for the future use of the site are still being considered by the county council.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs anybody in the hon. Gentleman's Department taking any action in the matter? Is he aware that his Department has been responsible for throwing hundreds of workers out of work without providing any alternative employment and that he has, therefore, a responsibility for the high level of unemployment in the area and that it is time that somebody in his Department got on with this job?
§ Mr. TaylorI do not accept what the hon. Member says about my Department throwing people out of work. I understand that most people employed in this factory have now obtained alternative employment. This is a difficult matter. There is an area of two square miles involved here and responsibility for development of the site devolves upon the planning authority which, in this case, is Stafford County Council. I can assure the hon. Member that my Department is doing everything it possibly can to come to a satisfactory solution of the matter.
§ Mr. BeswickIs the hon. Gentleman saying that these matters are left to the county council? Surely the use of this factory was considered with other Departments before the decision was taken?
§ Mr. TaylorThat is true. We are in constant consultation with the Board of Trade on this matter.