HC Deb 30 May 1956 vol 553 cc226-7
29. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is satisfied with arrangements made for the production of aircraft and in particular with the co-ordination between the Ministry of Supply and Air Ministry for the production of aircraft and guided missiles; and if he will make a statement.

Sir W. Monckton

The problems with which we have been faced have arisen mainly in the later stages of development. The production of aircraft has in general been proceeding satisfactorily.

The action to improve matters announced in the White Paper on Supply of Military Aircraft issued in February. 1955, and by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply in the recent Defence Debate is already beginning to bear fruit. The right hon. Gentleman will recall that during that debate I said that I was myself inquiring into these and related matters. I shall tell the House in due course what conclusions I reach; all that I would say for the moment is that I am making progress.

Development and production of guided missiles are proceeding reasonably well, though with entirely new weapons of this kind there are always liable to be unexpected hitches.

I have found that the co-ordination between the Ministry of Supply and the Air Ministry is good, and I do not think that any failure in this respect has contributed materially to our problems.

Mr. Stokes

I understood the Minister to say in the early part of his reply that he was comparatively satisfied. How can he possibly say such a thing in view of the statements made in the Defence debate on 27th and 28th February? Is he not aware that the hopeless muddle and losses which have been incurred in the supply of aircraft are largely due to the inadequate arrangements in the aircraft industry itself? How does he expect units of less than 15,000 men to produce large bombers? What does he intend to do about it?

Sir W. Monckton

The Question asked about the production of aircraft, and particularly about administrative arrangements between the two Ministries. That was the side which was comparatively good. As to the aircraft industry itself, that is one of the matters into which I am looking, and I will inform the House when I have reached my conclusions.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Minister tell me who takes the decision on major issues where there are disputes between various Services on aircraft supply? Does he do it himself or who is the responsible authority?

Sir W. Monckton

I am never sure how far I am allowed to go in saying what are the organs of the Government in which I serve, but the right hon. Gentleman is aware of the Committees.

Mr. Shinwell

In this connection will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take note of what is happening in the United States about the production of guided missiles and ballistic rockets and the disputes between the Air Force and the Army, and I also believe the Navy, in the United States? In order to avoid any similar confusion, will he effect a greater measure of co-ordination and bring the whole subject under one head?

Sir W. Monckton

I sympathise very much with what the right hon. Gentleman has said. I have, of course, been informed of and am in touch with difficulties which have been experienced in America, and I am sympathetic to the idea of more co-ordination and more power here.