§ 36. Colonel GRETTONasked the Minister of Munitions if he has statutory powers of control over the policy or proceedings of the Central Control Board; if so, what those powers are; and, if he has no such powers, will he state to which of the Ministry such powers belong?
§ 49 and 50. Mr. RONALD McNEILLasked the Prime Minister (1) by what method effective Parliamentary control is intended to be exercised over the proceedings of the Central Control (Liquor) Board; what Minister is responsible to this House for the policy of the Board; whether, if no effective Parliamentary control over the Board exists, he will take measures to secure it; and (2) if he is aware that the authority of the Ministry of Munitions in relation to the Central Control (Liquor) Board is limited to the scheduling of areas to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Board and does not extend to any control over the Orders issued by the Board for such areas; and whether he will issue a Regulation extending the authority of the Ministry of Munitions in this respect so as to bring the proceedings of the Board under effective Parliamentary control?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Central Control Board is established by an Order in Council under statutory powers. The appointment of its members rests with the Minister of Munitions, but beyond that he has, under the Order in Council, no control over the proceedings of the Board. The Order in Council is, of course, made on the responsibility of the Cabinet and could be amended or revoked on their advice. The scheduling of particular areas is a matter for an Order in Council. Within these areas, subject to the powers conferred by the Regulations, he Central Control Board can make Orders and impose restrictions without reference to the Minister.
§ Colonel GRETTONAre the Regulations made by the Control Board or by the Ministry of Munitions?
§ Dr. ADDISONBy the Control Board.
§ Major HUNTIs there any control at all over the Control Board?
§ Dr. ADDISONBy Parliament, I suppose.
§ Mr. WATTHas the Minister of Munitions power to remove any member of the Control Board it he should be dissatisfied with his action?
§ Dr. ADDISONI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. MOLTENO(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Central Control Board have given ten days' notice to the parish council of Annan that it proposes to take possession of their offices at the expiration of the notice, and that it proposes to use them for the extension of an hotel; whether he will state under what Act the Board has this power; whether he will undertake to arrange that this notice is not carried out until the Board has provided other offices for the council and agreed to provide compensation for any loss sustained by the removal; and whether he will make the same provision for any other tenants of the same premises?
§ Dr. ADDISONIn response to an inquiry into this matter a telegram has been received this morning stating that the matter has been satisfactorily arranged. I may say also that every possible consideration will be shown to those whose premises have to be taken over. I have not been able since the receipt of the hon. Member's question to get the answer to his inquiry on the point of law, but if he will be good enough to put another qnestion down an answer will be given.
§ Mr. MOLTENOMay I say that I have received a telegram from Annan, dated 2.55 this afternoon, saying that no settlement has been made. In view of that, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that this notice shall not be carried out until some arrangement is made?
§ Dr. ADDISONAll I can say is that I have the telegram in my hand from which I quoted. [HON. MEMBERS: "Time!"] It is earlier than that; it is 10.20.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan my right hon. Friend say whether the Minister of Munitions has any control over this Liquor Board?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not think he has.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill the. Government consider whether it ought not to disestablish this Board of Control?