HC Deb 20 October 1943 vol 392 cc1381-3
51 and 52. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Supply (r) whether it was at the suggestion of the War Office that Mr. Oliver Lucas was superseded as Director-General of Tank Research and Development;

(2) whether the new Director-General of Tank Research and Development is also to be in charge of tank production; and what experience has he of tank design or production?

60. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Supply for what reason Mr. Oliver Lucas gave up his position as Director of Tank Development and Design; and whether he will state the qualifications of his successor, Mr Gibb, for the post?

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

The change referred to arose from the appointment of the former Director-General to be Chairman of a Mission to the United States. of America. This has not involved any change in the distribution of functions within the Department. I am satisfied that the new Director-General possesses both suitable experience and technical qualifications for this post.

Mr. Keeling

Is it impossible to find anybody with experience of tank design and production for this post?

Sir A. Duncan

The new Director-General has for almost three years now been Director-General of Weapon Production in the Ministry of Supply. He has done a first-class job in this capacity and has been in close touch all the time with tank problems. He was, in my judgment, the most suitable person to appoint at the present moment.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask whether the Mission to America has the support of the War Office and, further, whether the real reason for the changed Tank Board is not that they have altogether failed to produce a tank which is in arty way war-worthy? If there is any tank which is war-worthy, would the Minister tell us what it is?

Sir A. Duncan

This Mission was appointed after consultation with the War Office and has their support. The second part of the hon. Member's Supplementary Question contains a suggestion which is quite erroneous and very unfair.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Minister tell the House what type of tank is war-worthy as presumably the Germans must know by now?

Mr. Hammersley

Could my right hon. Friend say whether this change in the direction of design and development of tanks indicates success or failure on the part of those previously responsible?

Sir A. Duncan

It arises because the former Director-General was the most suitable person to send to America on this Mission.

Mr. Keeling

Are we to understand that the decision to send Mr. Oliver Lucas to America was by way of promotion and not reproach?

Sir A. Duncan

It certainly was not by way of reproach; I would not like to call it promotion, but alternative occupation.

Mr. Stokes

Was this Mission welcomed by the United States Government?

53. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Supply whether his Department has designed any tank during the last two years which fulfils the requirements of the War Office?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir. The detailed specifications of all tanks are, of course, decided by agreement between my Department and the War Office.

Mr. Keeling

Would my right hon. Friend agree that if this country had made as big a mess of the design of aircraft as it has of tanks, we should have lost the war long ago?