asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that in a certain ordnance factory bomb-gauges have been in demand for 10 months, and no progress seems to have been made as regards their production and what steps he is taking to accelerate them?

I am not aware of any shortage of gauges for bomb production at the factory in question. In no instance has bomb production suffered from lack of any gauge.

Is it not an actual fact that this has occurred in this factory and others that I have mentioned to the hon. Member? Will the hon. Gentleman say whether there has been an investigation into the mismanagement that has been going on in this factory?

I have made special inquiries, and the facts are as stated in my reply.

Has the hon. Gentleman had interviews with the employees in the factory, particularly the shop stewards?

We are always ready to do that.

Has the hon. Gentleman had interviews with them since he received the information he has given?

I obtained my information by the ordinary procedure. The superintendent has seen the accredited representatives of the factory and is always prepared to do so.

Has the hon. Gentleman had reports from the shop stewards of the factory who know the conditions and know that what they have stated to me is a fact?

I told my hon. Friend when I saw him that I proposed to maintain the procedure in this factory which has been agreed with great care between the stewards and trade unions, and it would be a great mistake if Ministers were to go behind that procedure.

Since that is the attitude taken up by the hon. Member, what was the use of setting up a Select Committee on National Expenditure?