§ Captain Pilkingtonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the R.N.C.F., Holton Heath, can be considered as a centre for a materials laboratory, or for the rehousing of research and development establishments which are overcrowded or are otherwise unsuitable.
§ Mr. T. G. D. GalbraithThere are two establishments at Holton Heath. Firstly, the Royal Naval Cordite Factory, which is currently being reduced to care and maintenance. Secondly, the Admiralty Materials Laboratory. My noble Friend is considering the practicability of moving it elsewhere as an economy measure, but this would only be done if the transfer could be achieved without having to undertake extensive new building work. I do not believe the reverse operation of bringing other Admiralty establishments to Holton Heath is practicable without a great deal of expenditure, apart from other practical difficulties.
The staff organisations were informed of the proposal to close the Establishment and the Superintendent of the Establishment has since explained the situation to the Staff. Arrangements will be made to inform them of further developments.