§ 57. Mr. Neil Macleanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that in a certain ordnance factory bomb-gauges have been in demand for 10 months, and no progress seems to have been made as regards their production and what steps he is taking to accelerate them?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanI am not aware of any shortage of gauges for bomb production at the factory in question. In no instance has bomb production suffered from lack of any gauge.
§ Mr. MacleanIs it not an actual fact that this has occurred in this factory and others that I have mentioned to the hon. Member? Will the hon. Gentleman say whether there has been an investigation into the mismanagement that has been going on in this factory?
§ Mr. MacmillanI have made special inquiries, and the facts are as stated in my reply.
§ Mr. MacleanHas the hon. Gentleman had interviews with the employees in the factory, particularly the shop stewards?
§ Mr. MacmillanWe are always ready to do that.
§ Mr. MacleanHas the hon. Gentleman had interviews with them since he received the information he has given?
§ Mr. MacmillanI obtained my information by the ordinary procedure. The superintendent has seen the accredited representatives of the factory and is always prepared to do so.
§ Mr. MacleanHas the hon. Gentleman had reports from the shop stewards of the factory who know the conditions and know that what they have stated to me is a fact?
§ Mr. MacmillanI told my hon. Friend when I saw him that I proposed to maintain the procedure in this factory which has been agreed with great care between the stewards and trade unions, and it would be a great mistake if Ministers were to go behind that procedure.
§ Mr. MacleanSince that is the attitude taken up by the hon. Member, what was the use of setting up a Select Committee on National Expenditure?