§ 59. Captain BARNETTasked the Under - Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether manufacturers of aero plane parts are able to obtain supplies promptly from the Air Ministry depots; and if he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails among such manufacturers because they are unable to obtain sup plies without inordinate delay?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to reply to this question In a rapidly increasing aeronautical production programme, where it is necessary to bring into production a vast number of accessories under war conditions with minimum production capacity and labour, it must occasionally happen that there is a certain lack of concurrency. I am satisfied that such situations are met with energy, and failures of the kind referred to by the hon. and gallant Member are not more frequent than is inevitable.
§ 60. Captain BARNETTasked the Under secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether definite contracts were made with certain merchant firms to stock special steel sheets for aircraft purposes; if such contracts have recently been withdrawn and manufacturers of aeroplane parts are being supplied direct from Air Board depots; and, if so, whether it is proposed to compensate the merchants for the expense and loss incurred?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to answer this question. No contracts of the kind suggested were made, but certain merchant firms were utilised for handling small stocks of material pending the completion of adequate storage accommodation by the Department of Aeronautical Supplies. No contracts having been withdrawn, no claim to compensation arises.
§ Captain BARNETTMay I give the hon. Gentleman information on the subject?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI shall be very glad to receive it.