HC Deb 25 October 1945 vol 414 cc2195-6
46. Mr. Boothby

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider separating the Department of Fisheries from the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. I do not propose to make any change.

Mr. Boothby

Does not the Prime Minister think that the fishing industry ought to have a separate department of its own, and cease to be the Cinderella of British industries?

The Prime Minister

I do not know about its being the Cinderella, but there is a separate division of the Ministry, and I have often heard hon. Members, in all parts of the House, say that they do not want to have too many new Ministries created.

Mr. Maxton

Will not the Prime Minister consider appointing a special Under-Secretary?

Mr. Gallacher

A fish and chips Minister.

The Prime Minister

I also think that it may be undesirable to multiply Under-Secretaries.