HC Deb 17 August 1916 vol 85 c2057
46. Sir E. CORNWALL

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to appoint a Minister of Commerce; and whether the Government are taking any steps to reorganise and redistribute the duties and work of the Board of Trade, so as to place the country in a better position to deal at once with the new economic conditions created by the War?

The PRIME MINISTER

Active steps are being taken with a view to placing the Board of Trade in a position to deal effectively with post-war economic and commercial problems. I am not now in a position to go into details, and, as at present advised, I doubt if the object would be furthered by the multiplication of Ministries.

Mr. HAZLETON

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these inquiries cover Ireland?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes.