PRODUCTION OF MUNITIONS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23088, 2 August 1940, Page 10

PRODUCTION OF MUNITIONS

REPORTED OFFER BY ENGINEERS MINISTER'S REPLY TO QUESTION [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON. August 1. Allegations by the managing director of the Precision Engineering Company, Ltd.. Wellington, Mr R. Burn, concerning the manufacture of munitions in New Zealand were the subject of an urgent question addressed to the Minister for Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) by Mr H. S. S. Kyle (Opposition. Riccarton) in the House of Representatives. Mr Kyle asked the Minister whether his attention had been drawn to the statement made by Mr Burn that an offer was made to the Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce by a representative-deputation of Wellington engineers in November last that such establishments should “tool up" and make patterns and jigs for certain types of munitions fully within their capabilities, so that if the necessity arose production could be commenced without delay. “Did the deputation of Wellington engineers in November last make such reoresentations?” Mr Kyle asked. "If so. was the Minister advised accordingly?” “I have no knowledge other than the assertion by Mr Bum of any such offer by engineers as that referred to in the question: but I am having inquiries made.” Mr Sullivan replied “The question of making munitions In New Zealand has engaged the attention of the Government from time to time.” Mr Sullivan said. “Before the • outbreak of war, and up until the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Flanders, and the great loss of equipment which took place thei. the best expert advice •was in favour of obtaining our munitlons, with the exception of small aims ammunition, from Great Britain, which had the first call upon Canada and the United States, from Australia. and.from India, rather than to embark upon munition making In New Zealand. The sudden deterioration : of the position in France made necessary a quick adjustment of outlook oh the question of manufacturing munitions in this country. That adjustment was instantly made, and was followed by my visit to Australia, accompanied by a delegation of competent ■men from both outside and_ inside the public service, the appointment of a munitions production constroller. a resurvey of the capacity and suitability of our own workshops and - engineering establishments, and the ' appointment of a munitions advisory committee, representative ;of .the fighting services, the supply department, 'and outside engineers and manufacturers. , - ' , “Plans have been made for production in New Zealand,” Mr • Sullivan said. “Some orders have been placed with both private- and- State establish- : meats; and other orfew be placed as-quickly as possible. In the vision of these tasks both competent private businessmen and State servants are being used just as they are ■ doing in Australia.” .