§ Captain A. SMITHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many of the national factories have been sold; what they have cost to build and equip, and what sum they have been sold for; whether they have in all cases been sold by public auction; and, if not, under what conditions, through what selling agency, and for what price?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYNegotiations are pending for the disposal of several national factories, but in no case has the transaction yet been completed. I cannot, therefore, give the information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he is aware that several of the national factories are eminently fitted for the production of furniture, of which a large quantity is annually required by the Government itself for use in the various public Departments; if he is aware that the Census of Production Report shows that the furniture trade had a very small output; if he is aware that rubbish furniture is now being sold for many times what it cost; and if he will take steps atonce to establish a national furniture industry in the interests at once of national economy and of labour?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe Government have in their possession sufficient furniture to last for a considerable period. There will also be a large quantity surplus to requirements, which will be sold by the Disposal Board. In the circumstances I cannot undertake to devote a national factory to the production of furniture.