§ 61. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked whether, in view of the fact that it is generally understood that the Bill for the Ministry of Health is already drafted, the Government will consider the advisability of introducing it at an early date for the First Reading in order that it may be printed and circulated for the consideration of the public generally, and in particular of the women of the country who are interested in the measure?
§ 63. Major ASTORasked the Minister for Reconstruction whether the introduction of the Bill establishing a Ministry of Health has been delayed through inability to get the Departments concerned to agree; and, if so, whether he is able to announce that the Government have settled these differences?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs has been stated in reply to previous questions, a Bill is under the consideration of the Government and, in these circumstances, I am afraid that I cannot deal with the points raised in my hon. Friends' questions.
§ Major ASTORIn view of the announcement made in March that virtual agreement had been arrived at, can the right hon. Gentleman state the cause of the delay?
§ Dr. ADDISONWar emergencies have intervened between then and now.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman give any estimate as to the increase in the number of officials of his Department?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think that there has been a diminution in the number of officials.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIs there any prospect at all of this Bill being introduced?
§ Dr. ADDISONI can give no information beyond that which has already been given.
§ Mr. FRANCEWill it meet with the same fate as the Home Rule Bill?