§ 48. Commander Locker-Lampsonasked the Minister of Supply whether he will invite the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Sir M. Sueter) to sit upon all committees under his Department investigating tanks or dive-bombing, in view of his experience in the last war?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThere are no Ministry of Supply committees investigating dive-bombing. As regards committees on tanks, I am well aware of the experience of the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Sir M. Sueter) in the last war. I think, however, that it would be unreasonable to expect me to limit the exercise of my Ministerial discretion to the extent of giving a pledge that one person should be a member of all committees on one subject.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was only asking for the hon. and gallant 163 Member for Hertford to be on one of these committees? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider putting this eminent expert on some valuable work? Why is he excluded? Why not get the best man?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am always ready to consider all suggestions, but the responsibility for selection must rest with me, and it is not a matter with which I can deal across the Floor of the House.
§ Sir Patrick HannonHas my right hon. Friend been in contact with the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford and asked for his views on the possibility of the contribution he could make in these difficult times?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir. I have been devoting all my attention to the reorganisation of tank production. That was the first thing to receive my attention. I have every respect for the knowledge and experience of the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford, but I can assure the House that if I saw everybody who has great knowledge of tanks, I should do very little else.