HC Deb 22 May 1916 vol 82 cc1828-9W
Mr. T. M. HEALY

asked the Minister of Munitions whether considerable advances have been made for the erection of a large plant in Pembrey, in South Wales, for the production of ingredients in explosives; whether this plant has been found impossible to use, and if it is now being disposed of; whether the advances were conceded to the Nobel Company, one of the principal directors of which is, or was, also a director of the Nitrogen Products and Carbide Company; what representations were made to the experts of the Government in respect thereof; has it been ascertained that these representations were false and misleading; and, if so, will he seek to recover the amount advanced?

Dr. ADDISON

It is not in the national interest to make public statements as to the progress of particular munition factories, and it is undesirable that the localities of munition factories should be mentioned in questions in this House. Several of the suggestions in the question are inaccurate and misleading, and there is no ground for believing that any false or misleading representations with regard to the matters referred to were made by or on behalf of the firm in question.

Mr. HEALY

further asked the Minister of Munitions if the Nitrogen Products and Carbide Company, which is largely identified with the Vickers interests, with a leaven of German and Austrian shareholders, has made any and what progress with Government contracts; has its advance of £50,000 from the Government, repayable by deductions from the price of the goods supplied in execution of the said contracts, been to any extent repaid; is its factory at Dagenham approaching completion or is there the slightest prospect of the contract being executed; whether he will inquire if the company owns a factory at Vilvorde, in Belgium, and that its balance sheets for the period up to the War showed that it was worked at a loss; and can he take any action for the recovery of the money advanced or make the directors responsible for misstatements upon the strength of which the contract was sanctioned?

Dr. ADDISON

I do not think it is in the public interest to make any statement as to the progress of particular munition factories. I can, therefore, only say that I am not aware of any misstatements by the directors on the strength of which the contract referred to was sanctioned, and I see no reason for making the inquiries suggested in the fourth part of the question.