HC Deb 10 June 1942 vol 380 cc1035-6
14. Mr. Neil Maclean

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production when an aircraft factory, of which he has been given the location, was first put on aircraft production for the Ministry, how many aircraft have been completed and handed over to the Government; and whether he is satisfied with the organisation of this factory?

The Minister of Aircraft Production (Colonel Llewellin)

It would not be in the public interest to give precise answers to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. I can tell him, however, that the firm, which previously had been engaged on sub-contracting and repair work only, are not due to deliver any complete aircraft until later in the year. The change-over from sub-contracting has involved some reorganisation of the factory, which is I am told being carried out satisfactorily.

Mr. Maclean

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman says he has only been told that it is being carried out satisfactorily; has he not sent someone down from his own Department to make inquiries and to see that it will be carried out satisfactorily?

Colonel Llewellin

This is a report from an officer of my own Department.

15. Mr. Maclean

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that, on Friday afternoon, 27th March, a conference was held in the No. 1 Conference Room of an aircraft factory, the location of which has been made known to him; that this conference had nothing to do with aircraft production or repair work but with the staging of a play on the premises of the factory; that there were present the deputy managing director, labour manager, office and contracts managers and other five important executives; how long this conference lasted; and what action he is prepared to take against such neglect of the duties they are paid to perform?

Colonel Llewellin

I understand that the meeting lasted about two hours and was in connection with a play which was produced in the canteen on the following Sunday. I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

Mr. Maclean

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that two hours spent discussing merely the production of a play to be put on to a stage within the boundaries of a factory on a Sunday, entailing the presence of nine executive officers of the firm, is a matter upon which something ought to be done by the Aircraft Production Department; and is it not whittling away time that ought to have been spent upon considering the more rapid production of aeroplanes?

Colonel Llewellin

This firm is up to date in its contracts. Of course, I hold no brief for nine executive officers discussing a play for two hours, but the firm are up to date with the contracts they are doing for us and so far are working satisfactorily.

Mr. Maclean

Is it not a very bad example to set the workers in that particular factory that nine executive officers can spend two hours in discussing how they could produce a play in which people were going to act?

Mr. Lipson

It must be a good play.

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