§ Sir R. Clarryasked the Minister of Supply what are the general terms of authority he gives to controllers and advisory committees in connection with the commodities which he controls in his Department by virtue of the statutory powers vested in him; and whether in every case he retains unquestioned power 856W to ignore, veto or reverse controllers' decisions and advisory committees' recommendations should he consider such action in the national interest?
§ Mr. BurginThe controllers are officers of the Ministry of Supply entrusted with the application of the general policy laid down from time to time to the circumstances of the particular materials with which they are concerned. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. It is naturally my desire to allow the controllers proper initiative and discretion in their difficult task, but they act in my name and are subject to my direction. The function of the advisory committees is to advise the controllers.