§ 51. Mr. Manderasked the Minister without Portfolio when he proposes to make a statement with reference to the work of his Department?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have already said that I hope to make a statement at a suitable opportunity. Such an opportunity will be sought, but it is not yet practicable to name a date.
§ Mr. ManderWill the right hon. Gentleman open the Debate and make a statement himself, as nobody else knows what he is doing?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI should be delighted to do so.
§ Mr. StephenWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the suitable date will be during this Session?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI should hope so.
§ 53. Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Minister without Portfolio whether he is aware of the prejudicial effect on our war effort of the fear in the minds of many people of the possibility when the war is over of having to face long periods of heavy unemployment in consequence of the Government having no plan to synchronise the increased means of production, which will be available at the close of hostilities, with the machinery of distribution; and what steps he is taking to deal with this?
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe many aspects of the question of the transition from war to peace in industry are under consideration jointly and severally by the Departments concerned with a view to the preparation of plans to obviate as far as possible the difficulties referred to by my hon. Friend. I am in continuous touch with these studies, but in view of the uncertainties of the circumstances in which hostilities will terminate it is not yet possible to publish any plans.