asked the Minister of Production what powers he possesses to compel firms manufacturing for the Departments which come under his Ministry, and which are operating out-of-date or inferior systems or methods of production, to conform to the best systems or methods practised by other firms, and, in default thereof, to allocate their machinery to other more efficiently conducted plants, thereby increasing production and diminishing cost to the taxpayer?

It is the normal function of the Supply Departments to ensure that firms fulfil their contracts efficiently and employ the best manufacturing technique practicable with the equipment available or supplied to them. Supply Departments and my Ministry are in regular touch on such matters, and adjustments of equipment are made between factories wherever appropriate to ensure fullest overall efficiency within the limits of the national resources and the necessary measures of dispersal. Adequate powers exist for the fulfilment of these departmental responsibilities.