§ Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many persons are at present employed at Gretna; what proportion are ex-service men; whether they are producing anything or merely guarding the State property pending sale; and whether any change in policy is contemplated?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe staff at Gretna, including Longtown, at present numbers 237 and of this number 61 per cent. are ex-service men. In addition, 15 casual workers are engaged from week to week for stores movements. The duties at the factory include despatching of stores and materials after sale, dismantling plant, destruction of cordite, traffic working and general maintenance, etc. A considerable amount of work is being done by this staff in dismantling etc., for contractors on a repayment basis. The policy is still to dispose of the property and stores as rapidly as possible.