Tank Board.

HC Deb 01 July 1942 vol 381 cc207-9

50. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Supply who are the present members of the Tank Board?

Sir A. Duncan

I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, give in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the members of the Tank Board.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Is there any member of the Tank Board who has had recent practical experience of the performance of tanks in the field?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir, the Tank Board is kept in the closest possible touch both by the personnel of the Board from the Army side and also by visits from soldiers in the fighting area.

Sir Percy Harris

Is there on the Board a member who has had recent fighting experience of tanks in the war?

Sir A. Duncan

Members of the Board consist of four from the War Office, including among them the Director of Armoured Fighting Vehicles, and in addition to those who are in constant session as members of the Board there is regular contact with those who have had most recent fighting experience. What is wanted is up-to-date information, and that is what the Board has.

Mr. Molson

In view of the Debate which is taking place to-day, may we have the names of the members of the Board read out and not merely circulated?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir. I did not want to delay the House, but I will read them out now. They are:

Chairman:

• Right Hon. Viscount Weir, G.C.B.

War Office:

• Lieut.-General R. M. Weeks, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (Deputy Chief of the Imperial General Staff).
• Major-General D. G. Watson, C.B., C.B.E., M.C. (Assistant Chief of the Imperial General Staff).
• Major-General A. W. C. Richardson, D.S.O. (Director of Armoured Fighting Vehicles).
• Major-General E. B. Rowcroft, C.B. (Director of Mechanical Engineering).

Ministry of Supply:

• Sir William Rootes, K.B.E. (Chairman of the Supply Council).
• Sir George Usher (Director-General of Tank Supply).
• Mr. Oliver Lucas (Controller-General of Research and Development).
• Mr. W. A. Robotham (Chief Engineer, Tank Design).

U.S.A. Liaison:

• Colonel G. A. Green, of Mr. Harriman's Office.

Major C. S. Taylor

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is direct liaison with the Tank Users Committee?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir, there is liaison with this Committee.

Major Taylor

Direct, and not through any other channels?