§ 46. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Prime Minister whether the Advisory Panel on rearmament has made inquiries into the methods of allocating War Office contracts; and whether they are satisfied that sub-contracting to the fullest practical extent is employed by that Department?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend is already aware of the survey which has been made by the Advisory Panel of the work being carried out under the rearmament programme. The results of this survey were made public in this House in an answer which I gave to a question by him on 2nd February. I am advised that the Panel has not so far found it necessary to make a special investigation of War Office contract procedure, which would include the point mentioned in the question. It does, of course, look into any particular cases of difficulty or complaint which may be put to it by individuals or firms, and I would suggest that if my hon. Friend knows of any such cases he should advise those concerned to approach the Panel.
Mr. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction in the country because the War Office did not adopt the system of sub-contracts, which has been adopted with so much success and acceptance by the Air Ministry?
§ Mr. CrossleyIs the Prime Minister aware that there is very great reluctance on the part of firms to approach this Panel?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I have not heard of that.
§ Mr. LoganMay we take it that where cases have been brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice, there will be an opportunity of investigation being made?
§ The Prime MinisterCases should be brought to the notice of the Panel.
§ The Prime MinisterIf they have already been brought to the notice of the Panel, I presume that they have paid attention to them.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the Prime Minister aware that the Public Accounts Committee was informed by the War Office last year that there was a reluctance on the part of firms to accept these contracts?
§ The Prime MinisterThat does not seem consistent with the suggestion that firms are complaining that they are not getting the work.