HC Deb 09 December 1952 vol 509 c22W
65. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War how many guns, during the past 12 months, have been sent for repair to the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers Workshops, Greenford, having been found unfit for use after a supposed overhaul by a private contractor.

Mr. Head

Forty-six guns were involved and the circumstances are at present under investigation.

66. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that No. 1 Central Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers Workshops, Ashford, is working well below its productive capacity; and why, in these circumstances, work suitable for these workshops is being let out to private contractors.

Mr. Head

This workshop is at present carrying out a programme for the overhaul of some 400 Ford vehicles and a further programme of 450 similar vehicles is planned. There is plenty of work for the men employed there, but occasionally short time is worked in a particular section owing to temporary shortage of spare parts or because of an unusual number of vehicles sharing the same defect.