HC Deb 05 May 1919 vol 115 cc568-9
30. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir NORTON GRIFFITHS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Machine Tool Department of the Ministry of Munitions is still in existence; whether a Machine Tool Department of the new Ministry of Supply has been established; whether the two Departments are to be housed in the same building; what technical qualifications are possessed by the new Controller of Machine Tools; and whether the staff of the old Department are being taken on by the new Department?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr: Hope)

The Machine Tool Department of the Ministry of Munitions, which has been greatly reduced owing to post Armistice conditions, has been amalgamated with the remnant of the Department which deals with gauges. It is intended that the combined section shall be housed in one building. The administrative head of the section is an. engineer with large commercial experience. Certain members of the staffs of both of the old Departments are being retained, in cases where their services can be utilised to advantage.

Sir N. GRIFFITHS

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long it is intended to maintain this Department?

Mr. HOPE

This is a combined Department for machine tools and gauges, and I imagine it will always be necessary under the Ministry of Supplies to maintain it.

Mr. ROSE

Do I understand that the Ministry of Supply is to be a permanent Department? Is that the intention of the Government?

Mr. HOPE

A Bill will shortly be introduced for that object.