§ 45. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Minister of Defence how many committees are at the moment dealing with matters concerning the standardisation of non-warlike equipment.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)There are numerous Departmental and inter-Departmental bodies dealing with the standardisation of particular categories of non-warlike stores used by the Services. I have recently appointed a Joint Non-Warlike Stores Standardisation Committee to give some central direction to the study of this matter, and to co-ordinate the activities of these bodies.
§ Mr. MarshallIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 70 committees dealing with this subject at the present time?
§ Mr. AlexanderWe are not dealing with a central subject. There may be a number of small expert committees dealing with the many particular commodities which require standardisation.
§ Mr. StokesWhatever the number of committees involved, will my right hon. Friend assure us that standardisation will not lead to disastrous consequences in design, as it so often does?
§ Mr. BerryWill my right hon. Friend avail himself of the services of the British Standards Institution, which has done such marvellous work in this direction?
§ Mr. AlexanderI think my Department is in close touch with that Institution.
§ Mr. UsborneWhat is the definition of, "non-warlike equipment," if it comes under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Defence?
§ Mr. AlexanderIt covers such items as military clothing, boots and shoes, and perhaps nuts and bolts.