§ Mr. A. SHORTasked the Minister of Munitions whether any of the national factories or other Government establishments which are now being disposed of by sale have been sold to private firms in accordance with agreements or understandings arrived at between the Ministry and the firms concerned, either at the time of their construction or subsequently before the cessation of hostilities; if so, to what number of factories this applies; and whether a statement showing the full terms of any such sales, actual or proposed, will be laid upon the Table of the House in sufficient time to enable criticism, if necessary, to be directed upon the proposed terms of sale before the transfer is actually carried through?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThere are twelve cases of national factories, in connection with which an option or agreement exists for purchase by a private firm. Although no actual contract has yet been signed, negotiations for sale have been practically completed in regard to two of these factories; in one case the firm was under an obligation to purchase and in the other the firm had an option. To publish the terms on which these negotiations are based before the transactions are actually completed would seriously prejudice the interests of the Government in dealing with the disposal of factories and other properties on which firms may possess an option, and which cannot therefore be disposed of by public auction or tender.
1990W
§ Mr. A. SHORTasked the Minister of Munitions whether he proposes at an early date to explain the Government's policy with regard to the utilisation of those national factories and other Government establishments created during the War which are retained in the hands of the Government; whether it is proposed to utilise these factories in order to produce goods for sale in the open market and goods required by the Government or by local authorities for public works; and whether he will give an assurance that the full utilisation of these factories for the manufacture of articles required by the Government or local authorities will be carried out?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe Government do not propose to utilise these factories to produce goods for sale in the open market but they are considering the possibility of devoting some of them to the production of goods required for public services. If there is a general desire for a discussion on this subject I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House would be prepared to arrange for it.