§ 46. Rear-Admiral ADAIRasked the Prime Minister whether any progress has been made towards the establishment of the Ministry of Commerce; and whether, consequent on the establishment of such a Ministry, existing Ministries, such as the Board of Trade, Ministry of Supply, and Ministry of Shipping, could be abolished in the interests of economy?
§ 51. Major Sir KEITH FRASERasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the question of establishing a Department of Commerce and Industry, under the control of a Minister of Commerce, who shall be a member of the Cabinet?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe intention is that the Board of Trade should be developed to perform all the functions of a Ministry of Commerce.
§ Captain ORMSBY-GOREIs it to be understood that the Overseas Trade Department will be put entirely under the Board of Trade and separated from the Foreign Office altogether?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs my hon. Friend knows, a Committee is at present considering that question. I therefore cannot make a statement to-day.
§ Captain ORMSBY-GOREWhen is that Committee likely to report?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hope almost immediately.
Lieut-Colonel A. MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that there 602 will be considerable opposition to putting the Overseas Trade Department under the Board of Trade?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt was because it was a question upon which there were differences of opinion that a Committee was set up.