§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if, in spite of repeated applications by letter and telegram, no reply, other than that the matter is under consideration, has been sent by the Ministry to a letter addressed to them on 17th July last by the old employés of the Ailsa Craig Motor Company, Limited, at the request of the Ministry, giving detailed reasons why the terms of the Ministry, if imposed on the company, would make it impossible for them to re-employ their old work-people; and whether he is taking or has taken any steps to give effect to the intention, expressed to the House on 12th May last, to place the company in a position to re-employ their old workpeople
Mr. HOPEAs regards the letter of 17th July, referred to in my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. A. Short) on 5th November. The offer made by the Ministry still holds good. Negotiations are proceeding with the creditors, and I have some hope that an agreement may be arrived at very shortly. I must repeat that the Ministry of Munitions cannot be held responsible for the delay which has occurred.