HC Deb 18 June 1940 vol 362 cc8-9
13. Mr. Liddall

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is now satisfied that the activities of this country in the sphere of economic warfare are properly co-ordinated?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)

So far as my Department is concerned, there is satisfactory machinery for co-ordination with other Departments. The hon. Member's Question seems, however, to raise wider issues, which are beyond my scope.

Mr. Liddall

Am I to take it from that reply that the right hon. Gentleman no longer considers it desirable that there should be some other Minister sitting over the activities of his Department, of the Department of the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Shipping and other Departments dealing with economic matters?

Mr. Dalton

I have only answered the question so far as my Department is concerned. It is not my business to speak for other Departments.

Mr. Hicks

Are we to understand that other Departments are not co-operating with that of my right hon. Friend, especially as his own Department is willing to co-operate with them?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. The other Departments are co-operating very helpfully with my Department in all matters of common concern.

Mr. Levy

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is only necessary to control water-tight Departments without any co-operation with other Departments?

Mr. Dalton

indicated dissent.

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