§ 98 and 99. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of Supply (1) what was the cost to the taxpayer of modernising and re-equipping Hargher Clough Works, Burnley, for the purpose of carrying out Government engineering work; what is the value of the machinery installed there; and under what terms the building and machinery is used by the present occupiers;
(2) what information he has received from the occupiers of Hargher Clough Works, Burnley, as to the men and machines which will be made redundant as a result of the Government's decision to curtail production of jet engines; when this information reached his Department; and what action is being taken to reemploy both men and machines.
§ Mr. G. R. Strauss£31,438 was spent on adapting these works and £72,666 on plant and machinery. Under the terms of the agreement, the company pays no rent, so long as they are engaged solely on Government work, and the buildings22W and plant may not be used for other purposes without the consent of my Ministry. The company informed my Department by telephone on 18th November that they would have to discharge about 550 men and 100 women by February, 1948. About 50 would be toolmakers and 25 other skilled workers. They also supplied a list of some 100 machine tools, mainly capstans and other lathes, grinders and milling machines, which they would no longer need. A letter confirming these details was received on 21st November. The possibility of using these works for other engineering work is being investigated.