§ Mr. MAURICE HEALYasked the Minister of Munitions whether the price 1177W allowed to the Lee Arrow Shell Factory, Cork, has been recently reduced to ls. 6d. per shell, with the result that the management announce the closing down of the works and the consequent dismissal of between sixty and seventy hands; and whether, in view of the fact that the works in question were started with a view of assisting in the production of munitions and in the belief that the prices originally offered would be continued, and that there has been no corresponding reduction in the cost of materials, he will reconsider the action which has been taken?
§ Sir W. EVANSThe price of 18-pounder high-explosive shells has been generally reduced by 1s. 6d. per shell, as from 1st January. It is considered that the reduced price is a fair one, and no difficulty has been experienced in securing sufficient supplies at that price. There appears to be no adequate reason for offering more favourable terms to the Lee Arrow Company than those offered to other contractors. I hope the employés will be able to obtain other employment.