HC Deb 10 May 1951 vol 487 cc2151-2
45. Mr. David Eccles

asked the Prime Minister whether the duties of the inter-Departmental Committee which allocates scarce materials, include the screening of the requirements of the Supply Departments; and if he will make a statement on the relation of this committee to the Lord Privy Seal's Department.

Sir H. Shawcross

I have been asked to reply.

A Bill will be needed to establish the new Department. My right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal will make a full statement on the Second Reading in which he will cover the matters referred to in the Question, and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister would ask the hon. Member to await that statement.

Mr. Eccles

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to consider the need to give the Lord Privy Seal power to scrutinise the requirements of the Supply Departments, because, supposing the Air Ministry put forward a demand for bombs, as they did in the war, which called for far more steel than was advisable, and would make damaging cuts in other parts of the defence programme, who has the power to persuade the Air Ministry in a case like that to moderate their demands?

Sir H. Shawcross

We hope that the arrangements in regard to the responsibility for allocations will be such as will permit an efficient allocation between the Supply Departments and industry generally. The point that the right hon. Member has raised will certainly be borne in mind.