§ 21. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air what reduction in holdings of components such as aero engines and of spare parts has been achieved by the increased use of rapid carriage to overseas units by air instead of by surface transport.
Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingThe level of stocks overseas is largely determined by strategic requirements. We do, however, make considerable use of air transport for stores which are required urgently, which are scarce or which are highly perishable.
§ Mr. de FreitasCannot the Under-Secretary give us any idea of the reduction in these holdings brought about by the increased use of air transport? In particular, is not the hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous financial savings reported in the United States Air Force by its use of electronic recording of stocks coupled with rapid air transport of these valuable components?
Mr. Orr-EwingThe answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary is that there are so many different factors coming into play with the change in the bases, size and disposition of our forces that it is not possible to provide an exact measurement of the change in our problems of supply. In answer to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary, I would say that we are well aware of the great progress in organisation which has taken place in the United States in the supply of its armed forces. In fact, we have several study groups examining electronic data processing and other modern methods of recording and provisioning so that we can bring our supply arrangements fully up to date.