§ Mr. NIELDasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that application was made as far back as 23rd April, 1917, by Messrs. Dobell and Company, Limited, millers, of Uxbridge, for a priority certificate for the delivery of a new maize disintegrator machine; whether he is aware that, in reply on 27th April, Mr. A. E. W. Hazel, signing as deputy controller of the Priority Department, required further proof of urgency, the value of the machine and materials contained in it, and that on 28th April last Messrs. Dobell informed the Department that it was necessary to instal the machine so as to get a larger capacity of output to supply an increasing demand for dilution of maize flour to save the wheat, gave particulars of cost and that it contained 5 per cent, steel, and that the machine was actually waiting delivery; that subsequently the Ministry of Food were informed that the mills were at a standstill and with increasing and pressing orders for maize flour for human consumption, and that the machine was ready for delivery and only awaited departmental permission; whether he is aware that, in spite of frequent applications to both Departments and the knowledge of the use for such flour, it was not until the 14th May certified by the Food Controller that the supply of the machine was considered by him to be of urgent national importance; that notwithstanding that Messrs. Dobell and Company answered promptly all questions put to them and proved that they sold flour maize to other millers, and also themselves mixed it with wheat flour, and that the need of the disintegrator was urgent, the Priority Department of the Ministry of Munitions on 2nd June refused to permit delivery though the machine was there and for some time had been lying at the Uxbridge railway station; whether he will say why in the face of the Food Controller's certificate that the matter was one of urgent national importance delivery of the machine has been refused; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the whole of the circumstances to prevent a repetition of such departmental delays?
§ Dr. ADDISONMessrs. Dobell and Company applied on the 23rd April for50W a permit for a new machine, and also for a permit for repairs to the old machine that had broken down. A permit for the repairs to the old machine on a war work basis was dispatched on the 27th April. The matter was then referred to the Department of the Food Controller. That Department made detailed inquiries as to the capacity of the mill and other considerations, and on the 30th May informed the Priority Department that the new machine could not be recommended as essential to the needs of Messrs. Dobell and Company. On the 2nd June the Priority Department accordingly finally refused the application for the permit. The demands for plant and machinery for the increase of food production all over the country are very considerable, and place a serious drain upon the available" labour and material that are urgently needed for war work. It is not possible to spare the materials and labour for new plant or machinery, or even for extensive repairs, unless they have been selected as urgent and essential to meet the plans of the Food Controller. Where it is obvious, as in the case of the repair of the broken-down machine, that a permit should be granted, no delays occur. Where on the face of an application there is an element of doubt, care is taken to make minute inquiries, and to consult any Departments interested before; the application is definitely refused. It is the case that this machine had been manufactured under an arrangement which has been made for the purpose of avoiding delay. Under that arrangement firms are permitted to manufacture a certain number of machines for stock without a permit, on the condition that the machines will not be released until the permit has been received. In this case, the manufacturer was given to understand that a permit would be forthcoming, and dispatched the machine without the requisite authority. This machine is more urgently required elsewhere by a firm that is waiting for it and already has a permit. After considering the advice of the Department interested, and having regard to the strict economy that must be exercised in labour and materials, if the needs of the various Departments are to be met, I have formed the decision that a permit cannot be granted for this machine for Messrs. Dobell and Company.