§ Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister if he will now make a statement on the breaking up of the Ministry of Supply, particularly stating which Departments will now be responsible for the microbiological research centre at Porton and other similar establishments, the Royal Ordnance factories, and the disposal of surplus Service equipment, respectively.
§ The Prime MinisterWith certain minor exceptions, the Ministry of Aviation will, in addition to its responsibilities for civil aviation, perform the functions of the former Ministry of Supply in respect of aircraft, guided weapons, ballistic missiles, atomic weapons, radar and other electronic equipment. Those functions of the former Ministry of Supply which are not6W being retained by the Ministry of Aviation will mostly be transferred to the War Office, which will become responsible inter alia for the bulk of the Royal Ordnance factories and for the greater part of the disposal of surplus Service equipment. Certain functions may, however, be taken over by other Departments. The final details have not yet been settled.