TANKS

HC Deb 19 April 1944 vol 399 cc194-5

45. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Production when the German Mark IV tank, equipped with a 76 mm. gun firing a 14–lb. shot, was first in action in North Africa; and how soon thereafter he took effective steps to produce a tank equipped with a larger gun firing a heavier shot a greater distance.

The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)

A German Mark IV tank with a high velocity gun was first seen in action in Africa in September, 1942. It is not possible to compare British and enemy weapon developments without giving away information which would be of the utmost value to the enemy.

Mr. Stokes

Has the right hon. Gentleman studied "The Eighth Army" booklet which states clearly that a tank of this description with this gun was in action in November, 1941?

Mr. Lyttelton

The tank to which I referred is one with a special high velocity gun. The German Mark IV was originally armed with a 75 mm. gun of much lower velocity.

Mr. Hammersley

Is my right hon. Friend quite satisfied with the action which has in fact been taken?

Mr. Lyttelton

I do not wish to embark in the realms of prophecy. We have taken what we think to be the appropriate steps.

50. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Supply how much money has been spent on the production of the Centaur tank mounting a six-pounder gun; and whether production has now been discontinued.

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

It is not expedient to give information as to expenditure on production of items of war equipment from which the enemy might make useful deductions. The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes, Sir".

Mr. Stokes

Will the Minister explain how the enemy could make useful deductions about a machine that has never been in action and never will go into action? Why should money be wasted on it?

Sir A. Duncan

That is just one of the deductions from this answer that the hon. Member has no right to draw.

Mr. Stokes

Is it not the responsibility of this House to look after expenditure? If this Department is wasting money on useless vehicles, we have a right to know how much they have wasted.

Sir A. Duncan

I cannot accept the suggestion in the hon. Member's supplementary question.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Might it not be disastrous if the enemy got to know the full depth of the incompetence of the Ministry of Supply?