§ 49. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that a Government factory for making tanks was, five years after its completion, sold to a private firm at a loss; what was the loss; and how many similar transactions have been indulged in by his Department during recent years.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyMy right hon. Friend gave the reasons for disposing of the tank factory in answer to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for South Fylde (Colonel Lancaster) on 9th July last. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply. Building of the factory commenced in 1951 and it was completed in 1955. It is not the practice to disclose figures of individual transactions, but the sale was made at current market value and in pursuance with the agreement made with the firm concerned in September, 1951. One other rearmament factory has been sold recently.