asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply how much was spent on the reconditioning of a factory of which he has had notice; why it was decided to proceed no further within a few months of starting the reconditioning; and how much female labour it is estimated would have been employed had the factory come into production?

The total commitment entered into in connection with the site in question is approximately £130,000, of which however it is expected some £30,000 to £40,000 will be recovered through adjustments with contractors and utilising some of the plant on order for other requirements. The work has been stopped owing to a decision not to proceed at present with the store in question. If this decision is final, the factory will be available for other work. It is estimated that about 250 women would have been employed.

Has any payment been made or will it be made to the late proprietors of the factory, or are the same people in possession of it?

Are we to understand that this large and important factory, upon which a large amount of time, money and labour has been spent, is not to be used in the near future fully for war production purposes?

No, Sir; the factory will be used for the purposes for which it was originally intended. If the decision not to proceed is final, it will be used for some other purposes.

May I have an answer to my question?

Is the factory to be closed?