HC Deb 18 June 1940 vol 362 cc25-6
62. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply what is the local machinery through which his Department now works; and whether it has been altered following the reorganisation of the machinery of governmental control of industry?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

The Ministry of Supply is represented locally by 12 area officers, who serve as members of the Area Boards. The responsibility for the central organisation of the Area Boards has now been transferred to the Ministry of Labour and National Service, but there has been no change in the general duties entrusted to them in connection with production. It has now been decided to increase the staff at the disposal of the Ministry's area officers and to expand their duties in certain respects, but my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make any detailed statement on this matter.

Mr. Leonard

Is the Minister aware that in Scotland certain aspects of his Department have officers responsible for processing and inspection and that they have to inspect goods when they have had nothing to do with the selection of them, with the result that production is not satisfactorily carried out?

Mr. Macmillan

These are the matters which these changes are hoped to expedite.