§ 55. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that our weapons have throughout the war lagged behind the enemy's in design; and why, in these circumstances, the Director-General of Artillery has remained unchanged.
§ Sir A. DuncanNo, Sir. The course of the war gives no foundation for any such suggestion and I am glad of the opportunity to pay tribute to the distinguished work of the high officer in question.
§ Mr. StokesWhy is it, in view of the fact that our inventions have been a long way ahead of the Germans with regard to propulsion, and so on, that these new things are not in the field?
§ Sir A. DuncanThe range of weapons we have in the field to-day, and the use to which they are being put, will fetch their own reward.
§ Mr. StokesWill my right hon. Friend consult some of the practical soldiers on this matter?
§ Sir A. DuncanWe are in constant touch with the practical soldiers. I do not know why my hon. Friend assumes he has more contact with the professional 1378 soldier than we have, but I can assure him that he has not.
§ Sir. O. SimmondsIs not the basic cause here that most of this design work has been done by the State, and not, as in the case of the aircraft industry, by efficient and virile private enterprise?
§ Sir A. DuncanNo, Sir, I hope my hon. Friend will not base any defence of private enterprise on that ground.