§ 29 and 30. Mr. BOOTHasked the Minister of Reconstruction (1) whether he is proposing, under the title of a proposed Ministry of Health, to abolish the National Health Commissioners for Wales; will he consult the representatives from Wales and Monmouth before introducing such legislative schemes; (2) if he has printed a scheme for a so-called Ministry of Health which deals with the position of the National Health Commissioners for Scotland and removes them from the present position of independence of any other Scottish Department; and will he take the opinion of the Members from Scotland before tabling such proposals?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe proposals for the establishment of a Ministry of Health stand referred to the Home Affairs Committee of the War Cabinet, and I can only refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon Friend the Home Secretary on the 10th July.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs it not a fact that the printed scheme, which has been circulated to one Member of this House and denied to the House, does involve the interference with or abolition of these national institutions; and may I press for an answer as to whether Members from either Wales or Scotland ought not to know something about these proposals before they go any further?
§ Dr. ADDISONThere was one Member of the House on the Committee whom I consulted. I also conferred with certain Scottish and Welsh Members on the subject.
§ Mr. WATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Ministry of Health Bill would by no means be an uncontentious measure?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am well aware of that.