HC Deb 27 January 1943 vol 386 cc501-2
56. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Supply whether any change has been made in the personnel of the Tank Board since he last gave their names; and, if so, whether he will now state who are on the Tank Board and what has been their previous experience in design, production or the field?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir. I will, with my Hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names and offices of the members of the Tank Board. With regard to the last part of the Question, while the members of the Tank Board possess extensive personal knowledge and experience, it is not as individuals that they have a seat upon the Board but in virtue of their appointments and responsibilities. Their Departments are in a position to draw upon all the most up-to-date experience over the entire field.

Mr. Stokes

Has any member of the present Tank Board had any experience of tanks in action in the field?

Sir A. Duncan

The answer to that is "No," as individuals, but they all have at their disposal the fullest volume of the experience of those who have it.

Mr. Stokes

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it satisfactory that in a matter of this kind no one with practical experience in the field is on the Board able to pull his weight?

Sir A. Duncan

I draw a distinction between the Board and the facilities and knowledge available to the Board.

Following are the particulars:

Chairman: Commander E. R. Micklem, C.B.E., R.N. (Chairman of the Armoured Fighting Vehicle Division, Ministry of Supply).

War Office:

Lieutenant-General R. M. Weeks, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (Deputy Chief of the Imperial General Staff).

Major-General J. F. Evetts, C.B., C.B.E., M.C. (Assistant Chief of the Imperial General Staff).

Major-General A. W. C. Richardson, D.S.O. (Director of Armoured Fighting Vehicles).

Major-General E. B. Rowcroft, C.B. (Director of Mechanical Engineering).

Ministry of Supply:

Mr. Graham Cunningham (Controller-General of Munitions Production).

Mr. A. J. Boyd (Director-General of Fighting Vehicles (Production}).

Mr. Oliver Lucas (Director-General of Fighting Vehicles (Research and Development)).

U.S.A. Liaison:

Colonel G. A. Green (Mr. Harriman's Office).