HC Deb 09 December 1941 vol 376 cc1389-90
59. Mr. Neil Maclean

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply the reason for a Walker-Turner vertical drill being four or five months in a factory, the situation of which has been made known to him, and not yet having been fixed in position?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to a Walker-Turner sensitive radial drill. This small machine, which is ancillary to the main toolroom plant, was delivered earlier than expected. It is now in operation.

Mr. Maclean

Since when has this been in operation?

Mr. Macmillan

For some weeks, I think.

Mr. Maclean

You mean some days?

60. Mr. Maclean

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply how many machines were ordered at the same time as the lathe which has been idle for six months in a factory, the situation of which has been made known to him; when those machines were delivered; and whether they are now all working?

Mr. Macmillan

This lathe formed part of a very large delivery of general purpose machine tools for allocation to various factories. A number of machines belonging to the same order and to other orders have now been installed in the factory referred to and the lathe will henceforth be regularly employed in conjunction with them.

Mr. MacLean

At what date was the remainder of the order placed in the factory?

Mr. Macmillan

This was building up a plant for the manufacture of a new store. The lathe was delivered some time ago. Now the other tools have been delivered, so that a balanced plant has now been built up.

Mr. MacLean

I think the hon. Gentleman is confusing the machine with the one which I asked about last week. This is a different case entirely. I am asking him now when was the remainder of the order placed in the factory, and whether the whole suite of machines is now working.

Mr. Macmillan

The remainder of the plant has been built up out of this very large consignment, some of which went to this factory and some to other factories.

61. Mr. Maclean

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that in a factory, which is known to him, 36 of the driving band position of groove gauge No. G.6028 for the 75 mm. shell were made and scrapped because the wrong material was used; that other 36 were made and scrapped because of an amendment to the drawing; that a third lot of 36 was started and 24 scrapped because of a second amendment to the drawing; that a fourth lot of 36 has now been started and the number of the gauge changed from G.6028 to G.6018; that the time lost through these changes was 624 skilled man hours, and the cost £81 which does not include material, hardening or grinding but only wages; and what explanation can he give for this wastage of time and material?

Mr. Macmillan

These difficulties arise from the initial stage of manufacture of a shell not previously produced in this factory.