§ MR. H. JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that there is ample accommodation for the storage of high explosives at His Majesty's factory, Penrhyndeudraeth, county of Merioneth, where there is also the necessary staff; and whether, having regard to national economy, he will cause, the explosives now stored at Dinas Mawddwy to be removed to Penrhyndeudraeth with a view to the closing of the former store and the saving of about £700 per annum?
Mr. J HOPEOn 3rd November, in answer to a question put by my hon. Friend, I stated that £12,000 had already been realised by sales of explosives stored in this magazine. Negotiations are now in progress for the sale of the balance of the stock, and pending a definite decision it is not considered economical to incur any additional expense, in handling and transport, by the transfer of the stock from Dinas Mawddwy to Penrhyndeudraeth. Till two or three days ago this factory was not available for disposal as it has been held in reserve for the Ministry of Labour for training discharged and disabled men. It has now been decided not to utilise it for that purpose.
§ Mr. H. JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the explosives store at Dinas Mawddwy, upon which a sum exceeding £l,000 was expended, was an unoccupied shed which had no separate assessment to local rates; and, having regard to the fact that this shed, together with the slate quarry, is only assessed at £32, and that the building has been com pletely renovated at the public expense, will these points be borne in mind when the question of compensation is considered?
Mr. HOPEThe question of compensation will in due course be referred to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, who will, no doubt, take into consideration any facts which they may deem relevant. I understand that certain cottages were taken over in addition to the shed, and that the latter contained some machinery.