HC Deb 18 February 1918 vol 103 cc448-9
25. Major NEWMAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether advantage will be taken of the fusion of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps to standardise as far as possible the many types of engines in use; and whether, to increase the output of the three or four types of engine which may be selected, all contracts which are at present outstanding for non-approved types will be cancelled and the firms thus deprived of work diverted to the production of one of the approved types?

Sir W. EVANS

Action has been taken in the direction indicated as far as possible. My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that it is impossible for me to give a detailed reply to his question.

Mr. BILLING

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Germans have standardised four types of engines with success, and we have standardised forty-four types of engines without success, and will he see that the spare parts of these engines, which are of no further use, are not occupying the time of our munition workers?

Sir W. EVANS

I cannot confirm my hon. Friend's statement.