HC Deb 18 December 1941 vol 376 cc2087-8W
Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he has considered the allegations of inefficiency, waste and mismanagement in the group of aircraft factories, the names of which have been given him; and with what result?

Mr. Montague

The letter to which my hon. Friend refers makes specific allegations to which I will reply when my inquiries are complete. I can, however, at once assure my hon. Friend that the delay in delivery of aircraft from the group of works is not so great as suggested in his letter and, on the whole, my advisers consider that this group of firms, who have had no previous experience whatever in aircraft construction, have tackled the problem with energy and resource.

Sir R. Gower

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what steps are being taken, in view of the loss of warships in the Far East, to intensify our output of aeroplanes in this country?

Mr. Montague

To intensify the output of aeroplanes in this country is the constant endeavour of my Department. Maximum production is best obtained by long-term planning and there is a limit to the fluctuation in output which can or should result from strategic considerations.