§ 67 and 88. Mr. CLYNESasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) if he can make any statement regarding the future of the Ministry of Food; whether he is aware that the Consumers' Council, consisting of representatives of labour and co-operative organisations, and of other persons, acting on behalf of the consuming public, are in favour either of the Ministry being kept in being or certain of its powers transferred to another Department, the former for preference; whether, in the event of a proposal to wind up the Department, he will receive and consider representations on this matter before coming to any decision; (2) the Food Controller if he can state the policy of the Government regarding his Department; whether it is proposed to keep the Department in being; if not, whether any, or all, of the existing functions of the Department are to be transferred to another Department; and whether, before any definite decision is come to in the matter, consideration will be given to the recommendation of the Consumers' Council, which has been acting at the Food Ministry in the interests of consumers generally, that power should be retained by the Government for supervising food distribution and protecting the consumer when necessary?
§ The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. George Roberts)It would be impossible to state the policy of the Government on this matter within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, but I hope to have an opportunity before long of explaining the precise measures which are in contemplation. In the meantime my right hon. Friend may rest assured that every consideration will be given to the recommendation of the Consumers' Council with reference to the retention by the Government of such powers of control as appear to be necessary for the permanent protection of the consumer.
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the terms of the early part of the reply, I beg to give 2498 notice that I shall take the opportunity of dealing with this question on the Motion for the Adjournment.