HC Deb 11 April 1940 vol 359 cc713-4
82. Mr. Salt

asked the Minister of Supply how many members of the area boards and area advisory committees are actually qualified engineers appointed in their professional capacity; and whether he will consider the desirability of employing a larger number of qualified engineers in this connection who will be able to exercise their special functions as engineers in organising the resources of the country, particularly in connection with smaller firms?

Mr. Burgin

The Ministry of Supply members of the area boards have considerable engineering experience, including those who are not actually members or associates of an engineering institution. These officers are assisted by persons, on their staff, who are in most cases fully qualified engineers. Members of the area advisory committees are nominated by the Engineering Employers' Federation and by the trades unions connected with the engineering industry, through the Trades Union Congress General Council.

A number of highly qualified engineers are now engaged in assisting in the task of further organising industry for munitions production, and the number of these officers is being increased to meet the needs of the situation. It is one of their tasks to arrange for the fullest use of any available facilities among the smaller engineering firms where it appears possible to make use of them.

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