HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 cc1211-2
49. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Minister of Production what supervising authority does he exercise in respect of any armament or munitions production which to his knowledge is seriously behind schedule?

Mr. Lyttelton

The problem is jointly reviewed by the Supply Minister concerned and myself to decide what remedy should be applied. I would also refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 12th March in answer to the right hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence) and also to the statement which I made on 22nd April about the functions of the Industrial Division of my Department and the Industrial Panel.

Mr. Hammersley

Does that answer mean that when my right hon. Friend finds that production is behind schedule and he investigates cases, he is quite satisfied that everything has been done and is being done to put the matter right?

Mr. Lyttelton

These are primarily matters for the Supply Minister concerned. Where there is a case of importance it is reviewed by him and me.

Mr. Hopkinson

In the event of no improvement being made by the Supply Minister in question, what does the right hon. Gentleman do then?

Mr. Lyttelton

Remedies must be suited to the problems.

Mr. Hopkinson

What I asked was, what do you do?

Mr. Shinwell

In a case where production is behind schedule and the Supply Minister has not taken effective steps to remedy the position, has my right hon. Friend an overriding authority which enables him to step in and give instructions?

Mr. Lyttelton

Certainly. As I have explained before, I can do that, and if the Supply Minister concerned is dissatisfied with the decision, he can appeal to the War Cabinet.

Mr. Hammersley

But does my right hon. Friend in fact do that?