HC Deb 02 December 1942 vol 385 cc1136-7
20. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what positions are held by Messrs. Patrick Hamilton, D. Welman and Brian Davidson; and what are their qualifications and the dates of their appointments?

The Minister of Aircraft Production (Sir Stafford Cripps)

Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Welman and Mr. Davidson hold respectively the position of Director of Propeller Production, Director of Engine Production and Chief Administrative Officer in the Engine Production organisation. The dates of their appointments to these posts were 17th August, 7th September and 7th April respectively this year. Mr. Davidson, who is a solicitor, had, however, served previously for two years in another administrative post connected with engine production. The other two gentlemen have wide industrial and business experience.

Mr. Edwards

Can the Minister say whether it is true that these men had already been considered redundant in another Ministry, whether they are of military age, and whether they have any experience for these particular jobs?

Sir S. Cripps

I am not aware what their previous positions were in other Ministries. Their ages are 34, 40 and 33 respectively, and they are all considered highly suitable for their present posts.

Mr. Edwards

Will the Minister take the opportunity of looking into these cases again and consider the effect of appointing men without qualifications for these posts on the men working under them who have perhaps better qualifications?

Sir S. Cripps

In our opinion they all have good qualifications for their posts.

Major Lyons

Were these gentlemen taken from the register of the Ministry of Labour or appointed direct?

Sir S. Cripps

I cannot say as regards two of them, but the third had already been for two years in this work.