§ 46. Major Guy Lloydasked the Minister of Defence how far, and to what effect, agreement has been reached between the signatories to the Atlantic Pact for the standardisation of nuts, bolts and screws.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)This aspect of standardisation has not been discussed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation because, in order to be effective, any such standardisation must cover a wider field than military equipment; it is, therefore, the responsibility of the national standardising institutions of the various countries.
Discussions with the United States and Canada have, however, resulted in an agreement to adopt common standards for nuts, bolts and screws which will ensure interchangeability. National standards for these items will shortly be published in the three countries and production in this country has already commenced.
§ Mr. SandysCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether agreement has been reached on any one item among all the members of the Atlantic Pact?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the right hon. Member will put that down, I will endeavour to answer it.