HC Deb 11 February 1946 vol 419 cc22-3W
Mr. Hale

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of mills and factories in Oldham now occupied by His Majesty's Government; and the dates when these properties may be released to industry.

Sir S. Cripps

Forty-three mills and factories in Oldham are now occupied by His Majesty's Government out of 85 recorded as requisitioned for the emergency. Of those still occupied, eight are being cleared with a view to early release, and the remaining 35, of which 14 were disused before the war, are mainly cotton mills which will be released as soon as they are required for civilian production.