§ 4. Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether there is any machinery which enables the Director-General of Man-Power to ascertain whether the most up-to-date and effective technical methods are being followed in all important war activities, so that no man-power is avoidably wasted; and what arrangements exist for liaison between him, the Engineering Advisory Committee and other technical bodies for this purpose?
§ Mr. BevinThe responsibility for securing the use of the best technical methods in production rests primarily with the Supply Departments, and only these Departments can effectively apply the advice of the Engineering Advisory Committee to which my hon. Friend refers, and other similar committees. My Department has a staff of inspectors who are constantly investigating the methods of employing labour, and any apparent failure to make the most effective use of labour is at once taken up with the employer, and, if necessary, with the Department immediately concerned.
§ Mr. Wootton-DaviesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he would consider the setting-up of some permanent body to give this technical advice?
§ Mr. BevinThat is purely a matter for the Minister of Production. My duty in this matter is strictly laid down in the Act of Parliament.