§ 51. Mr. Hammersleyasked the Minister of Production whether he is aware that the setting up of a Production Control Division in his Ministry aimed at securing proper utilisation of capacity is quite ineffectual so long as the allocation and movement of machine tools remain in the hands of the Machine Tool Control; and what steps he is taking to rectify this matter?
§ Mr. LytteltonI assume my hon. Friend is referring to the Regional Division of my Ministry. The Controller-General of Machine Tools is on my staff and works in close consultation with all the divisions of my Ministry in their spheres of planning and co-ordination. By these arrangements the Controller-General is able to carry out under my direction the allocation and movement of machine tools in such a way as to promote the proper use of capacity.
§ Mr. HammersleyIs my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that the working of this machine-tool control is not adversely affected by trade interests?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am so satisfied.
§ Mr. StokesDoes the Minister mean that the Machine-Tool Controller has now been removed from the Ministry of Supply to his Department?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe Controller-General of Machine Tools is an official in my Ministry.
§ Mr. StokesAnd not in the Ministry of Supply?
§ Mr. LytteltonNo, Sir.
§ Sir P. HannonIs not the Controller-General of Machine Tool Supply one of the most competent officials?—[An HON. MEMBER: "The Minister said so."]