HC Deb 27 October 1919 vol 120 cc270-1
69. Mr. A. HENDERSON

asked the Prime Minister whether instructions have been given to Departments to form Whitley Councils; if so, the date such instructions were issued; and what steps have been taken in the direction of establishing Departmental Councils?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the Treasury Circular of 25th August last with enclosures from which he will see that instructions on this subject were issued to Departments on that date. Departments are now engaged in establishing Joint Councils on the lines suggested in these documents.

Mr. HENDERSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any steps have been taken to form a Council in connection with the Ministry of Pensions; if not, what is the reason of the delay?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No; I cannot answer for individual Departments without inquiry. Perhaps my right hon. Friend would put a question to the Ministry itself?