§ 8. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Power, Transport, and Economic Department of the Board will be amalgamated with the Industries and Manufactures Department in order to effect economies in the staff in accordance with the recommendation of the Geddes Committee?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe recommendations of the Committee are all under consideration, and I do not think it advisable to discuss them in detail at the present time.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONCan these recommendations be carried out as soon as possible, so that their effects may be seen in the coming financial year?
§ Mr. BALDWINWhatever recommendations can be given effect to without legislation will appear, I hope, in the forthcoming Estimates.
14. Captain BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to issue any memorandum commenting on the findings of the Geddes Committee?
§ Mr. BALDWINNo, Sir.
Captain BENNIn that case does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the findings of the Geddes Committee?
§ Mr. BALDWINI think it is premature to say whether I agree or not.
Captain BENNIf the right hon. Gentleman does not agree, will he follow the precedent inculcated by the Leader of the House, and issue a counter-statement?
§ Mr. BALDWINI do not always like precedents.