§ Major W. MURRAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the strong feeling existing in Dumfriesshire and Cumberland in favour of the sale of Gretna factory, townships, etc.,en bloc, he will cancel or delay all further sales of stock and plant at Gretna until this question has been decided?
Mr. YOUNGNo sales have been arranged to take place at Gretna this month excepting a four days' sale of factory consumable stores, which were never included in the Government offer of Gretna in one lot. This factory has been advertised for sale as a whole since the middle of September last, and I do not propose to give instructions which would hamper the Disposal Board in the realisation of the property to the best advantage, but the Disposal Board will be prepared to give consideration to any offer to purchase the whole property as already advertised, if made at once. They cannot, however, wait indefinitely for offers which may never be forthcoming.