§ Major Bruceasked the President of the Board of Trade on what date his Department's regional office was notified by Messrs. R. K. Dundas, Limited, of Portsmouth, who closed their works on 6th May last, of their intention to cease operating; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that the factory is used for industrial purposes at an early date and to aid in the provision of employment for those discharged.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe regional office of the Board of Trade was notified by the regional controller of the Ministry of Labour and National Service on 29th April of the intention of Messrs. R. K. Dundas, Limited, of Portsmouth, to close their works on 6th May. The regional office of the Board of Trade made contact with the firm on the same day. The factory is privately owned and its disposal is, therefore, a matter for the owners, but my Department is doing all it can to bring the factory to the notice of industrialists who are known to be in need of premises.