§ 71. Mr. Simmondsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any member of the recently formed Air Ministry Committee of Supply has wide practical experience in large-scale engineering production and supply?
§ Earl WintertonThe committee, whose functions are administrative, has the valued assistance of Sir Charles Bruce-Gardner, the Chairman of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors, who is a full time member. The committee, as a result, not only have the benefit of Sir Charles Bruce-Gardner's own wide experience but can also draw through him on the individual and collective experience of the aircraft industry.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs my right hon. Friend not aware that Sir Charles Bruce-Gardner is an administrator and not an engineer; and is he not aware that the failure on the supply side of the Air Ministry is due to the fact that they have not competent engineers and production managers in their employ?
§ Earl WintertonI could not possibly agree with my hon. Friend. I could supply him privately—there would not be time to do so in reply to a question—with the directorships which have been held by, and the administrative work of, Sir Charles Bruce-Gardner, who is thoroughly competent in all branches of engineering.
§ Mr. SimmondsEven if that be the case, surely one in this Committee is not 881 adequate to decide questions of supply concerning the Royal Air Force?
§ Earl WintertonI never said so, but the Committee over which I have the honour to preside happens to be a very competent one.