§ Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a Committee, set up for the purpose of recommending what should be done with the Gretna factory, reported that, amongst other things, it should be used for the manufacture of industrial products for which much of the plant was eminently suitable; and whether he has come to any conclusion on the subject?
§ Major ATTLEEI am aware of the recommendations of the Majority Report of the Pearson Committee, but I would point out that Gretna was thrown up for disposal as long ago as 1921, in accordance with the considered decision of the Government of the day.
§ Mr. MIDDLETONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has received a request from the Gretna Parish Council, asking for the sale of the factory and Government property to be suspended pending the consideration of the whole question of disposal; and, if so, whether he can see his way to agree to this request?
Mr. GRAHAMThe answer is in the affirmative. I have not yet had an opportunity of replying to the Chairman of the Council, but I fear that I do not see my way to accede to the Council's request.