§ 58. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the great advantages to the motor industry which would come from a greater measure of standardisation and pooling of technical 963 knowledge, he will state what recommendations he has received on this subject from the Lemon Committee on Standardisation in the Engineering Industry; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI have not had any recommendations on this subject from the Lemon Committee.
§ Mr. EdelmanHas my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the decision of the Austin and Morris motor companies not to proceed with their plans for co-ordination; and as this appears to be contrary to the general undertaking given by the motor industry about standardisation, what steps is he taking in the matter?
§ Mr. StraussWe have no information about the proposed co-ordination between these two firms, nor did we have at the time. I am satisfied, however, that the mutual aid scheme set up and operated by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is a very good one, and I have no reason to think that standardisation is not proceeding reasonably well in this industry.
§ Mr. Martin LindsayIs it not very much better that any decision of this nature should be made within the industry concerned by the firms concerned, without any guidance from the Minister?