HC Deb 04 August 1942 vol 382 c857
65. Sir A. Knox

asked the Minister of Production whether he has now obtained actual statistics or reports from men engaged in the operations enabling him to state definitely whether our tanks in Egypt are as cool as those used by the Germans?

The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the answer given on 29th July.

66. Sir A. Knox

asked the Minister of Production whether he will give the names of the members of the panel set up to inquire into the possibility of improving the ventilation of tanks either by use of refrigeration or by air conditioning?

Mr. Lyttelton

The panel consists of: Mr. S. A. Wood, M.Sc., Senior Scientific Officer in the Ministry of Supply Scientific Research Department; Dr. Dorey, D.Sc., Wh.Ex., Member of the Council of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers; Chief Engineer Surveyor, Lloyd's Register; and Dr. E. Griffiths, D.Sc., F.R.S., Principal Scientific Officer in the Physics Department of the National Physical Laboratory. They consult freely with appropriate specialists in other Government Departments and in industry on the various problems of research, development and manufacture which arise in their inquiries.

Sir A. Knox

Has this panel actually begun its sittings?

Mr. Lyttelton

I understand so.

Mr. Granville

Have any of these gentlemen or any of the advisers associated with this body been to the Western Desert to get any actual experience of tanks, and if not will my right hon. Friend as Minister of Production take care to send somebody there?

Mr. Lyttelton

These gentlemen will have the benefit of advice and reports from the Western Desert.