§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Aviation what steps have been taken to fulfil the undertaking given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West in answer to Question 42 of 6th July, 1959, that he would be kept informed of progress in the matter of the sale of the factory at Bardsey, Oldham.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThere has been no progress to report since negotiations for disposal during 1959, 1960 and the first half of 1961 were abortive. Sale negotiations have now been opened with a Sunderland firm of glass-ware manufacturers and it is believed that the sale will be completed by the spring. I have taken steps to see that the hon. Member is informed of the progress of these events.
12W
§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Aviation what was the original cost to public funds of the State-owned factory at Bardsey, Oldham; and what is the corresponding figure in terms of 1962 prices.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe original cost of the factory, which was built by the Ministry of Aircraft Production during the early years of the war, could not be established without extensive enquiries which would not in my opinion be justified.
§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Aviation (1) what is the rental now being received in respect of the State-owned factory at Bardsey, Oldham;
(2) what terms relating to the maintenance of employment were incorporated in the lease of the State-owned factory at Bardsey, Oldham.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftAs the factory is being sold, the questions of the rent and of the terms of the lease do not arise.