§ Mr. PULLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he can state the nature of the work now being carried on at the national factory, Rotherwas, Hereford; if it is the intention of the Government to retain this factory for national purposes or to dispose of it; and, if the latter, will it be advertised so that particulars may become known to persons requiring such premises for commercial purposes?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYA portion of the factory is being used for storage purposes and another portion for breaking down surplus gun ammunition. The Government have no intention of disposing of this factory for the present. Should it be decided eventually to dispose of it, the fact will be advertised and tenders invited in accordance with the usual practice.
§ Mr. JOHN JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the national projectile factory at Tinsley, Sheffield, could be very suitably adapted for the manufacture of doors, window-frames, sink frames, banisters, etc., the ground of the factory being covered with concrete beds where machines such as saws, bandsaws, moulding machines, etc., could be quickly fixed and utilised; that, as an alternative, the factory could very easily be transformed into a wagon building and repair shop; and whether he will consider the advisability of retaining this factory and using it for the manufacture of articles necessary in connection with the housing scheme and for the building and repairing of wagons necessary for the railways?
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§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe only national factory at Tinsley connected with the manufacture of projectiles, is a forge, which would be quite unsuitable for any of the purposes indicated in my hon. Friend's question. If my hon. Friend refers, however, to the Templeborough National Projectile Factory, Sheffield, this factory will be required for some time as a store for machinery and other property belonging to the Government.