HC Deb 20 July 1936 vol 315 c34
62. Mr. McGHEE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the methods by which costing disputes are to be settled between the Air Ministry and the aircraft manufacturers with whom orders have been placed for aeroplanes for the increased Royal Air Force?

Sir P. SASSOON

I would refer the hon. Member to the very full statement which I made on this subject on 17th March last in Committee on the Air Estimates. As then stated, my Noble Friend has undertaken to refer to the Hardman Lever Committee any case in which it has not been found possible to settle the price by agreement.

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this method is not holding up production?

Sir P. SASSOON

My information is that it is not holding up production.

Mr. SANDYS

Can my right hon. Friend assure us that this committee is purely an advisory committee, and does not affect the ultimate responsibility of the Government for the settlement of disputes?

Sir P. SASSOON

No, Sir; it is purely advisory.