From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The excessive cost and impracticality of the Electrical Section and the difficulties of getting staff to work with them.
| Identifier | Morton\M16\ img052 | |
| Date | 4th March 1931 | |
| EFC To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/AU.4.3.31. When we go over the question of increasing the size of the Experimental Dept., we have first of all to consider whether we could make better use of the facilities and staff that we have. When one considers this, the thing which stands out is the amount of money we spend on the Electrical Section. I am not certain whether I am responsible for the Electrical Section, but in case I am, I should say that in my opinion it is costing too much for the results obtained. The work simply applies to a laboratory tests which we think are extravagant and unpractical. I am sure that you are aware that the Electrical Laboratory do not work in the team. I have great difficulty in getting any of my men - such as Hancock and Lidsey, who are dealing with complaints on the cars - to take them to the Electrical Section. This is not a question of any personal matter, they simply say that if they take it there they get nowhere and they prefer to go through Mr. Brock. I am sure that the whole trouble is that EFC. is not practical and never will be. The unfor-tunate part is that you cannot get him to realise it. I have had numerous discussions but I find the only way is to leave them alone and carry on. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||