§ Mr. Silkinasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that frequently 75 per cent. of components of the Sten gun made by sub-contractors and assembled at a North-west Ordnance Factory have to be rectified; that it has been found useless to send back rectifiable work to the sub-contractors although they get paid in full and that for at least a year all components have been so bad that they have had to be inspected at the Ordnance Factory even though they had been previously inspected and passed; and what action he has taken to remedy the situation?
§ Mr. SandysThe statement that 75 per cent. of the components referred to have to be rectified is not correct. Only about 4 per cent. of these components receive some polishing or other minor adjustments at the Royal Ordnance Factory. Samples of each consignment of components received from sub-contractors are examined in this factory, as in all other factories, as part of the normal routine. In these circumstances no special remedial action is called for.