HC Deb 30 March 1938 vol 333 cc1997-8
52. Mr. Simmonds

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what steps His Majesty's Government intend to take in order to expedite re-armament; and whether greater co-ordination of supply is proposed?

Sir T. Inskip

As regards the first part of the question a number of plans for accelerating building works and deliveries of machine tools and for securing additional skilled labour are either under consideration or are being put into practice, but it would be premature to attempt to make a statement regarding them at this juncture. As to the second part, continuous attention is given to co-ordination in the matter of supply with a view 10 obtaining the best results.

Mr. Simmonds

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that he is seeking to enlist the services of a large number of manufacturing companies which will appreciate work on rearmament, but have not so far been able to get it?

Sir T. Inskip

I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that the fullest anxiety is felt with regard to the possibility of using every firm which is capable of doing armament work.

Mr. Louis Smith

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that he has in his Department or in the Service Departments liaison officers to keep the fullest contact with industry in order to get from industry a far better result?

Sir T. Inskip

If my hon. Friend means supply officers, I am satisfied that there is every possible help in this connection.

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