HC Deb 12 October 1943 vol 392 c710
59. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he is now prepared to make a further statement to the House concerning reconstruction plans under his supervision?

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)

We are now reaching the stage in our work on reconstruction when major issues of public policy begin to emerge each requiring a full statement in itself by the responsible Minister, and I anticipate that several statements of this kind will be made in the coming months. I consider that such statements will prove more informative to the House than would any general review such as is within my province.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand that these will just he statements, or will they be embodied in legislation? Is it the intention of the Government to produce legislation on these matters departmentally?

Sir W. Jowitt

I hope at any rate there will be detailed proposals put before the House, obviously with a view to legislation.

Earl Winterton

Will the Minister take into account the desirability of having some of these statements made before the Debate on the Address, as that will make it easier for the Home Secretary and the Under Secretary of State for Air to pre pare their speeches?