HC Deb 10 May 1939 vol 347 cc469-70
45. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement or issue a report dealing with the work and reports of the Advisory Panel on Rearmament since 2nd February, 1939; and, in particular, what has been done by the panel with regard to future work since that date?

The Prime Minister

As I stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on 2nd February, it was not my intention that the Advisory Panel of Industrialists should themselves make reports, neither do I consider it desirable that a detailed report on their work should be given. I should wish, however, to place on record my strong sense of the zeal and devotion with which the panel have carried out the duties falling to them under their terms of reference. I think that the following particulars may be of general interest to the House. Since their formation during the latter part of December, the panel have held 44 meetings, apart from such meetings as have been held by the sub-committees which they have set up. In addition to carrying out the survey of the rearmament programme to which reference was made in the statement published in the proceedings of the House for 2nd February, they have carried out a comprehensive examination of the arrangements which are being made to establish a war potential in this country and also of numerous matters affecting the position of industry in war. They have further been able to offer helpful advice on a number of specific problems referred to them by Government Departments and they have also dealt with such matters as have been put to them by industrial associations or by individual firms. I understand that, in addition to holding themselves at disposal to deal with specific references to them, the panel have it in mind after a reasonable interval to survey again, especially, progress made with the rearmament programme.

Mr. Smith

Is it the intention of the Prime Minister to merge this Advisory Panel into the Ministry of Supply, and, if so, would it not be advisable that a statement should be made of a similar character to that which was made on 2nd February, in order that the House may have an opportunity of "checking up"?

The Prime Minister

That is not my intention.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Can my right hon. Friend confirm the impression which exists that the continuance of this panel would prove of great value to the new Ministry of Supply?

The Prime Minister

Yes, I think it would.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will the Prime Minister give some indication how far small firms which have found difficulty in obtaining orders in connection with the rearmament programme, have availed themselves of the services of this panel?

The Prime Minister

I could not say at the moment, but if the hon. and gallant Member puts down a question, I will try to give him the information.

Mr. Hicks

The Prime Minister mentioned that the panel had had under consideration the question of industry in war time. Does the panel have for consideration such questions as that of the reserved occupations list?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, that does not come within its purview.