HC Deb 24 April 1939 vol 346 cc777-9
47. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the proposed Minis- try of Supply it is proposed that power shall be vested in the Minister to prohibit or restrict the production of manufactured articles which absorb skilled labour and equipment capable of being used in the manufacture of armaments?

48. Sir P. Harris

asked the Prime Minister whether the responsibility of the Minister of Supply for the acquisition and maintenance of the reserves of essential metals and other raw materials required for Defence will give the Minister any authority to allocate and dispose of such essential materials to meet the requirements of the Admiralty and the Royal Air Force; and whether he will have any power to veto the purchase by contractors to meet the requirements of these two Departments?

The Prime Minister

The Bill for setting up the Ministry of Supply will, I hope, be presented very shortly, and I think the most convenient course would be for hon. Members to await the presentation of the Bill and the opportunity which will then be afforded of discussing these matters.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is impossible to establish an effective Ministry of Supply unless care is taken, subject to negotiations with employers and workpeople, to plan the whole of our industrial production in the light of the present emergency; and can he give some assurance that powers of that kind will be taken?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member should await the presentation of the Bill.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not desirable, before the whole Bill is prepared and presented to the House, that we should have some assurance that effective measures are to be taken along these lines?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, I do not think that it is.

49. Sir P. Harris

asked the Prime Minister whether the Minister of Supply will be a member of the Army Council; and whether he will be subordinate to the Secretary of State for War?

The Prime Minister

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Sir P. Harris

If that is so, how will it be possible to arrange effective cooperation between the Departments and the new Ministry which is to carry out their instructions to deliver the goods?

The Prime Minister

Arrangements will be made to secure that there is a liaison officer.