§ MAJOR W. MURRAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether only 26 per cent. of the total number of persons employed at the Gretna Factory are ex-Service men; and whether, in view of the large number of ex-Service men recently discharged from this factory and the consequent unemployment and distress which is threatened, he can now announce the intentions of the Government in respect of Gretna Factory, and say whether there is any prospect of the re-employment of the ex-Service men who were formerly employed there?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe number of ex-Service men employed at Gretna is 33 per cent, of the number of male employés, or 28 per cent, of the total number of employés. The future of the factory is still under consideration.
Mr. G. DOYLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what steps have been taken in dismantling the extensive munition works at Gretna; the number of persons discharged from such works during the last three months; how many are still retained in Government employ; what progress 1163W has been made in the sale of buildings, plant, machinery, etc.; and the total amount so far realised by such sales?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYDuring the past three months 1,445 persons have been discharged from Gretna. The total number of the staff is at present 1,262. No steps have yet been taken towards dismantling the manufacturing units at the factory. The following sales of surplus stores, materials and huts have been effected:
Furniture £18,905 Huts 29,931 Building Materials 11,880 Total £60,716 In addition to these, a number of smaller cash sales have also been effected, the details of which are not yet available.