HC Deb 07 April 1943 vol 388 cc613-4
48. Mr. Horabin

asked the Minister of Production whether it is the established practice of all departments associated with production that development work on mechanical equipment must be a continuous process and that until a machine has been built and tried out it should not be put into production?

Mr. Lyttelton

Yes, Sir, whenever practicable; but my hon. Friend will appreciate that operational and other war-time exigencies sometimes make necessary a departure from the established practice referred to.

Mr. Horabin

In cases where development and production have been elided has this practice not led to undue delay in the production of satisfactory equipment?

Mr. Lyttelton

Risks sometimes have to be taken.

Mr. Stokes

Is it not a fact that two years ago a stop was put to the development of tanks and aeroplanes and that that is one of the reasons why we fell behind in aeroplanes and never got a satisfactory tank?

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