HC Deb 02 May 1951 vol 487 cc1179-81
48. Mr. Duncan Sandys

asked the Minister of Defence what weapons and equipment have been standardised by agreement between the signatories of the Atlantic Pact; and which of these standardised types are in production.

Mr. Shinwell

The main effort of the North Atlantic Treaty Powers is at present concentrated on increasing as rapidly as possible the production of existing types of up-to-date and efficient equipment and it would be unwise to delay current production in order to have available at a much later date something which has been standardised. Nevertheless, standardisation of new weapons is a long-term aim to which all the members of the Organisation attach importance. There would be security objections to the publication of a complete list of the equipment which it has already been agreed to standardise, but the following are examples. A standard design of minesweeper has been agreed upon by some of the member nations; all member nations have agreed to adopt certain standard components for combat vehicles; we have arranged to produce in this country the U.S. 3.5 inch rocket launcher; and British types of jet aircraft are in use or in production in a number of countries. The Standing Group have recently set up a Military Standardisation Agency and good progress is being made.

Mr. Sandys

Does the Minister not recognise that these are very disappointing results? In view of the great importance of this matter, not only from the standpoint of production but also from the standpoint of simplified supply of equipment to troops in the field, will he consider taking it up at Ministerial level to see whether he cannot instil a greater spirit of give and take on both sides?

Mr. Shinwell

All I can say is that if it is disappointing, that is not attributable to His Majesty's Government. In such matters there must be agreement, and other people have to be consulted. I can say, however, that in this country we have succeeded in effecting standardisation to a remarkable degree. There are fewer types of vehicles than before, and the same applies to other weapons. As for taking up this matter at Ministerial level, we have had discussions with the Brussels Treaty countries and other countries on this matter but I take note of what the right hon. Gentleman has said. As I am as anxious as he is to promote this scheme, I will do all I can to help.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the basic difficulty in connection with standardisation is the screw thread problem, the difference between American and British screws? Would he say what has been done to arrive at a solution to this problem?

Mr. Shinwell

I could not say without notice, but if the hon. and gallant Member will put down a Question I will ask the technical experts to advise me about it.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Can the Minister tell us if there is to be a standardised type of atom bomb, or is production to go on on both sides of the Atlantic separately.

Mr. Shinwell

I am sorry, but I cannot furnish my hon. Friend with the information for which he asks.

Brigadier Head

The Minister said, "There are fewer types of vehicles than before." Does that refer to the present or the future? Is not it a fact that if we had to go to war in the near future there would be more different types of vehicles than there were in the last war?

Mr. Shinwell

Not of the newer types.

Mr. Manuel

Will my right hon. Friend make sure, in connection with this question of standardisation, that we do not reach a dead end, as happened in the case of the Portal house?

Sir H. Williams

Are we still manufacturing the.303 rifle?

Mr. Shinwell

I think not.