§ 12. Major Lyonsasked the Minister of Aircraft Production what position was held in his Department by Mr. T.C.L. Westbrook; for what period; and for what reason Mr. Westbrook is no longer in the Ministry?
§ The Minister of Aircraft Production (Colonel Llewellin)Mr. Westbrook joined the Ministry on 18th May, 1940. When he left on 9th June, 1941, to take up an important appointment under the War Office, he was the member of the Minister's Council responsible for American supplies and airframe production in this country.
§ Major LyonsMay I ask my right hon. and gallant Friend whether Mr. Westbrook was specially selected to go to Libya to make certain reports about operations there and, further, whether he has seen a statement by Mr. Westbrook during the last few days alleging frustration in relation to dive bombers and guns? Will my right hon. and gallant Friend allay public anxiety by making some statement on this matter?
§ Colonel LlewellinMr. Westbrook went to Libya in a War Office appointment, and the matters on which he went out have nothing to do with my Ministry.
§ Major LyonsBut would my right hon. and gallant Friend make any observations with reference to the criticism Mr. Westbrook made about the Ministry of Aircraft Production, alleging frustration and indecision?
§ Colonel LlewellinI have not heard that he has made any, but if it is brought to my attention and a question is put down on that specific point, I shall be delighted to deal with it.
§ Major LyonsHas not my right hon. and gallant Friend seen "The Times"?