HC Deb 05 November 1948 vol 457 cc140-1W
Mr. Cobb

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will take immediate steps to have estimates made of the equipment that would be required by the fighting services in the event of an emergency; whether he will consider what manufacturing facilities would be required for the production of this equipment; and whether he will arrange for the spread of that manufacturing capacity over the entire Commonwealth.

Mr. Alexander

Considerable progress has already been made by the Service and Supply Departments in estimating the requirements of the fighting Services in the event of an emergency, and in planning the industrial facilities which would be required. These estimates and plans are being co-ordinated by my Department. Co-operation with other Commonwealth countries in these matters is always kept in view.

Mr. Cobb

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is satisfied that inter-service standardisation of complete equipment, and components which go into that equipment, supplied to the Armed Forces has progressed as far as desirable; and whether he can give an assurance that it is under continual review.

Mr. Alexander

I am satisfied with the progress which is being made in the standardisation of equipment required by the three Services, and with the economies which will result. Adequate inter-Departmental machinery exists for keeping these matters under continuous review.

Mr. Cobb

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will set up an inter-Departmental committee to consider the working of the tendering and contracting system for the supply of equipment to the fighting services, with a view to devising new methods which, while safeguarding the public purse, will avoid the inefficiency and waste of material and manpower entailed by the use of the present system.

Mr. Alexander

No. The Contracts Coordinating Committee provides adequate facilities for inter-Departmental discussions on contracting methods and procedure and these matters have been the subject of consultation with industry from time to time, as necessary. I have no evidence that the present system results in inefficiency and waste.