§ 52. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed before the Recess to give the House an opportunity of Discussing the work of the Ministry of Reconstruction; whether that Department will have an opportunity of placing before the House a review of its work and policy; and, if so, when?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs regards the first part of the question, it will not be possible to afford an opportunity for this discussion before the Recess. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Reconstruction to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Tamworth Division on Tuesday last.
§ Mr. ANDERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Parliament has had no opportunity of giving any guidance at all to the Ministry of Reconstruction, although the most important matters of policy as to what is going to happen after the War are involved, and will he not give a chance to the House of Commons to help and guide the Minister of Reconstruction as to the main lines of his policy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think it is quite right that there should be a discussion, and if the question had been put to me earlier in the Session I should have tried to have found a day. I shall certainly try to find one immediately after the Recess.
Sir H. DALZIELWould there be any objection on the part of the Government, providing the matter were raised on the Vote of Credit, to a statement being made then?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo; I think that would afford an opportunity.