HC Deb 31 July 1939 vol 350 cc1941-2
56. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can make a statement on what immediate steps he intends to take in order to carry out the main proposals contained in the Act of Parliament dealing with supply?

Mr. Burgin

I am at present engaged in surveying the whole question of the exercise of the powers given to me under the Ministry of Supply Act. The powers given by the Act include manufacture, which is proceeding; purchases, which are being made, storage, which is being arranged. The hon. Member will appreciate that the field is a very wide one and that a general statement at this stage within the limits of question and answer would be difficult to frame in any detail.

Mr. Smith

Now that the Minister has these powers does he not think that this question is one of urgency, and, if so, is he taking any steps to increase the speed of the machinery at his disposal?

Mr. Burgin

I agree entirely with the hon. Member that it is an urgent matter, and that the speed of the organisation should be increased.

Mr. Davidson

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that many overtime hours are being worked by the people in these concerns?