§ 59. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Supply if his attention has been drawn to the recommendation of the Estimates 1104 Committee in favour of an immediate inquiry into the numbers and duplication of inspectors in the Royal Ordnance factories; and what action he will take.
§ Mr. SandysThe inspection arrangements in the Royal Ordnance factories are at present being reviewed; and I can assure the House that, in considering any changes to be made, the recommendations of the Estimates Committee will be taken fully into account.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhen the Minister states that they are being reviewed, does he mean he has accepted the recommendations of the Estimates Committee for inter-Departmental inquiry, or that he is himself reviewing them in the ordinary way? Has he set up a special committee for the purpose?
§ Mr. SandysWhat I meant was that I was already reviewing the arrangements before the report of the Estimates Committee was published, but since we knew that they were reviewing this question we delayed a final decision on it pending the publication of the Committee's recommendations. I hope to arrive at a conclusion shortly.
§ Mr. SwinglerDoes the answer of the Minister cover the Admiralty and other Departments concerned?
§ Mr. SandysNo, Sir. I am not in a position to review other Departments.