§ 12. Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether in order to build up a superior air striking force by 1942, he will consider the suggestion for the formation of a production council, representing industry in Great Britain and the United States of America, to achieve standardisation of types, armour and equipment; and, for this purpose, to pool the resources of the aircraft and allied industries in both countries?
§ Mr. MontagueNo, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, on 13th May.
§ Mr. GranvilleWill the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that this is not a case of an inverted Micawber waiting to turn something down?
§ Mr. MontagueI can give the hon. Member every assurance that it is the policy of the Ministry of Aircraft Production to achieve, as far as possible, coordination between production in this country and in the United States.
§ Mr. GranvilleAre you satisfied that you will get a powerful striking Air Force by 1942 without the close collaboration which is suggested in the Question?
§ Mr. MontagueThe Prime Minister's reply, to which I have referred the hon. Member, was a considered reply. If the hon. Member will read it, I think he will see that things are not as bad as he suggests.