HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 363 cc27-9
48. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueter

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether his attention has been drawn to the restriction in output of war material due to unduly rigid methods of inspection; and what steps are being taken to remove this hindrance to our war effort?

The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply has issued instructions to his inspectorate staff to reduce inspection to the minimum compatible with safety and efficiency, and there is little doubt that these instructions are now being carried out. So far as aircraft contracts are concerned, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production to my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on i9th June.

Mr. Stokes

Do the same remarks and instructions apply to the Admiralty?

Mr. Greenwood

I cannot answer that question without notice, hut I imagine so.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Is the Minister aware that a very large number of these inspectors are comparatively young men with considerable skill who would be much more useful on the bench, while, on the other hand, there are a great many skilled men getting on in years who perhaps are not able to do a full day's work on the bench, but who would be excellent as inspectors?

Mr. Greenwood

One of the reasons why we are anxious to diminish the number of inspectors to the minimum amount is to release these men; on the second point, I will look into it.

Mr. A. Edwards

Will the Minister considering removing redundant inspectors, in view of the fact that there is a multiplicity of inspectors representing various Departments, and that in some of the shops the men can hardly move for inspectors?

Mr. Greenwood

The whole purpose—and I am giving it personal consideration —is to diminish the amount of inspectors to the minimum compatible with efficiency of service.

49. M. Sueter

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether his attention has been called to the hindrance of production and the unnecessary cost to the State caused by over-elaborate specifications; and what steps are being taken to deal with this problem?

Mr. Greenwood

The Ministers of Supply and Aircraft Production give constant attention to this matter and maintain close contact with manufacturers to ensure that unnecessary elaborations of specifications are eliminated. Suggestions from manufacturers to this end, and for speeding up production generally, are welcomed.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Is the Minister aware that handrails and balustrades of stainless steel were specified for one camp?

Mr. Greenwood

I am not aware of that, but the whole object of the decision which we have taken is to eliminate that kind of useless production.

Sir J. Lamb

Is the Minister aware that I recently gave information with regard to this matter?

Mr. Greenwood

I am not aware of that, but I will look into it.