HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2289-91
47 and 48. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) who compose the committee or advisory section of the Machine Tool Trades Association who agreed to the importation of machine tools; why have the needs not been met in this country; why are national factories not being established to manufacture the machine tools; can a statement be made on the costing system that the Government proposed to the Machine Tool Trades Association; why it was disagreed to; and what is the present position;

(2) whether he can make a statement on the consultations and negotiations that have taken place between Government representatives and the Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association; and if not, when he expects to be in a position to make such a statement?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

Discussions regarding machine tools have been conducted with a special committee appointed by the Council of the Machine Tool Trades Association. The necessity for the importation of machine tools results not only from the large demands occasioned by the rearmament programme but from the desirability of maintaining our export connections. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, we have for some time past enjoyed a considerable overseas trade in machine tools. As regards the establishment of national factories for machine tools, I am advised that in view of the time required for constructing and equipping them, the carrying out of the programme would not be materially assisted by this means. Negotiations with the Machine Tool Trades Association are nearing their conclusion, and I hope shortly to be able to make a statement on this subject.

Mr. Smith

Could we be given the names of the special committee which has been advising in connection with this matter?

Mr. Morrison

I could give the information if required.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the very great success of the Admiralty factory for jigs and gauges at Sheffield, and then reconsider the question of a national machine tool factory?

Mr. Morrison

I am by no means closing the door to the suggestion of creating a factory of this kind if required. I was merely answering the hon. Member's question.

Mr. Smith

In view of the well-founded suspicion which exists in this trade and among all who are familiar with it, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer that point in the question which asks for the names of those who compose the advisory section or the special committee who are advisers on this matter?

Mr. Morrison

Certainly, I will give that information if required. I thought the hon. Member really asked what committee had been conducting the matter, and I answered that it was a special committee elected by the association itself.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a suspicion that the committee are responsible for advising on the importation of these machine tools and that they are personally involved in it, and, in view of that suspicion, can we be given the names of the committee?

Mr. Morrison

Certainly, I will give the names of the committee to the hon. Member—[HON. MEMBERS: "No, to the House."]—and to the House. I have nothing to conceal in this matter, but in my own view the suspicions that the hon. Member has mentioned are not well founded.

Mr. Dalton

The question asks the Chancellor of the Duchy "who compose the committee." Is not that equivalent to asking for the names to be read out to the House in answer to the question?

Mr. Morrison

I did not read it as such. I thought the hon. Member was asking for a description of the body concerned, and I have given it.

Mr. Dalton

Is the right hon. Gentleman not furnished, on the paper which he holds in his hands, with these names?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir.

Mr. Hopkinson

Is it not a fact that at least two of the leading importers of foreign machine tools into this country are also leading members of that association?

Mr. Morrison

In order to dispel any suggestion that these names have been concealed, I will undertake to circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Poole

On a point of Order. Can you, Mr. Speaker, tell us what remedy this House has against the inability of Government Departments to understand plain English?