HC Deb 06 April 1938 vol 334 cc336-7
40. Mr. Day

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action the Government propose to take against the persons suspected of sabotage of various aircraft now in the course of construction; and what has been the approximate loss in money value and / or loss of time caused in the delivery of such aircraft through those acts?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Earl Winterton)

As regards the first part of the question, I cannot al present add anything to my previous statement. Police investigations are still proceeding. As regards the second part, detailed figures are not available, but the actual loss, whether in time or money, has been very small.

Mr. Day

Can the Noble Lord say whether a reply has been received from the firm affected, to whom a communication was sent asking for further particulars?

Earl Winterton

More than one firm is affected.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster bear in mind that the workpeople are becoming a bit sick of this constant reiteration of these charges, that the amount of damage is infinitesimal compared with the output, and that the workpeople are quite pleased to co-operate in order that the maximum amount of investigation shall take place?

Earl Winterton

I have already made it clear that I am in agreement with the hon. Gentleman. I think that outside an exaggerated emphasis has been laid on this matter.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the experience of the hon. Member for Dunbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) and myself, would the Minister allow us to participate in any investigation?

Mr. Kirkwood

On a point of Order. The question was thrown across the House just now as to whether the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) and I were both guilty of sabotage. This is a very serious business. I do not want anybody named at all, but I wish to emphasise on behalf of the engineers of Britain that this idea of sabotage has got to stop, because, as I have said in the House before, there never was a more patriotic section of the community. This has to stop at once.