HC Deb 27 July 1938 vol 338 cc3095-6
50. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence when the Government formed a committee to supervise the manufacture of machine tools; and what is its personnel?

Sir T. Inskip

I have maintained constant touch with the Machine Tool Trades Association since the outset of the rearmament programme, but I am not aware of the existence of such a supervisory committee as the hon. Member mentions. In the circumstances, the second part of the question does not arise.

Mr. Smith

I hope we shall not have any stone-walling on this question. Is it a fact that a consultative committee has been set up by the machine tool manufacturers, and, if so, has the right hon. Gentleman been in touch with them?

Sir T. Inskip

I am not aware of any advisory or consultative committee at all. I have given the hon. Gentleman a very plain answer that I have been in touch with the Machine Tool Trades Association from the beginning of my occupancy of my office.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is the Minister aware that there is an unco-ordinated demand by aircraft manufacturers and other manufacturers upon the limited number of machine tool manufacturers, with the result that prices are going up out of all proportion to the true value of the article?

Sir T. Inskip

There has, of course, been a heavy demand upon the manufacturers of machine tools, but there has been a great deal of co-ordination with the help of the Machine Tool Trades Association and the manufacturers concerned.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is not the Minister aware that in spite of that alleged coordination, individual manufacturers are going behind the backs of the co-ordinators and inducing machine tool makers to give them priority by offering increased prices for the supply of machine tools?

Sir T. Inskip

I am not aware of any such cases. If the hon. Member has any information to give me, I shall be very glad to consider it.