§ 123. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Supply what is the estimated value of the textile machinery now in stock at the premises of Messrs. Textile Machine Makers Limited, and what respectively are the amounts awaiting export because of shipping, and lack of chains, respectively.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI regret that detailed information of this kind is not available in the Ministry of Supply and I do not feel justified in asking the company to make public particulars of their business.
§ 124. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Supply what are the allocations of steel for the manufacture of textile machinery for the years 1947 and 1948.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussThe industry has been given a higher steel allocation this quarter than last, but I regret that I cannot disclose details.
§ 125. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Supply whether he is now in a position to make a statement with reference to the interim report of the Evershed Committee on textile machinery.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussYes. Four main recommendations were made in the Report and all have been or are being implemented. In accordance with the first recommendation of the Committee, Textile Machinery Makers, Limited, have made a comprehensive re-organisation of the directorate and management, including the appointment of an additional director to strengthen the board. The second and third recommendations have been implemented by the winding-up and dissolution of the Werneth Investment Trust and the establishment of a research department. Finally, I am assured that the company are proceeding with the installation of a modern integrated costing system.