HC Deb 07 May 1951 vol 487 cc1562-3
10. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Supply whether in view of the large number of machine tools required for defence and other essential purposes, he now has any further statement to make in assurance that they will be used to the best advantage.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Yes, Sir. I have consulted my Engineering and Machine Tool Advisory Councils about arrangements for ensuring that all machine tools on order are used to best advantage for the defence programme and other essential purposes. I am happy to say that my Department's proposals for this have been accepted by both machine tool users and manufacturers represented on these bodies. I would like to acknowledge the public spirit in which these proposals were received and to thank the machine tool industry for so willingly placing their services at my disposal. As the explanation of the arrangements is rather long. I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Cooper

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in view of recent reports that we are exporting rather a lot of machine tools to satellite countries, he will take that into account in the light of the statement he has just made?

Mr. Strauss

I do not think that that report is accurate.

Mr. Watkinson

In view of the Minister's statement the other day that the credit for the acquisition of machine tools in America was due to the Government because of their policy of bulk buying, would he take this opportunity to tell the House that it was entirely a question of private enterprise co-operating with the Government?

Mr. Strauss

We acknowledge the help and co-operation which we have received from private enterprise in this matter. I have never questioned that.

Following is the explanation: Arrangements have been made for machine tool manufacturers to provide my Department with detailed schedules of their proposed deliveries. On the basis of this information and expert advice from industry, my Department will be in a position to ensure, in co-operation with the users, that machine tools from all sources are deployed to the best advantage for defence and other essential purposes. This expert advice will be provided by advisory panels which are being set up in consultation with the Machine Tool Trades Association and the Institution of Production Engineers. These panels will advise my Department on questions referred to them concerning the utilisation of machine tools, and, in particular, will advise, after consultation with all concerned, as to possible alternative methods of meeting demands. The panels will be advisory only; action will be my responsibility. Although I regret the need to ask some firms to accept deferment of deliveries, I am afraid that the defence programme is bound to entail diversion of some machine tools from civil uses. I hope, however, to have the co-operation of the firms concerned in arranging this by voluntary agreement.