46. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of establishing a production general staff, consisting of production engineers and other technologists, charged with the duty of continuous experiment and research in methods of production, and enjoying sufficient authority to see that the best known methods and improvements which may be made are adopted by all Production Departments?
§ Mr. AttleeMy right hon. Friend is always ready to consider suggestions for making better use of research and technical experience, but production for war purposes requires so many different processes that it would not be practicable to set up a single body with the suggested functions. Experiments and research towards improvement of production methods 556 are constantly being carried out in the most important establishments, and means exist for the interchange of information so obtained. The production Ministries also have ready access to the best independent engineering and scientific experience, and I should like to take this opportunity of acknowledging that it is most willingly and generously given.