§ 45. Colonel DAYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the extension of forestry work undertaken by the 365 Forestry Commission, he will consider the advisability of questions relative to the work of this Commission being answered by a recognised Minister of the Crown?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Govan Division of Glasgow on the 25th February last of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the Prime Minister aware that he promised to give this subject his earnest consideration several months ago; and may we ask whether he is not now' in a position to give some further statement to the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf I remember aright, it was after that promise was given that I gave the considered answer to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean) to which I have referred in my reply.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that the reply which the right hon. Gentleman gave to me on that occasion was that he would see that some member of the Forestry Commission was in his place to answer questions put to that Commission?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI remember that on the occasion referred to there was a mistake, but I think that error has been rectified.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that error has not been rectified, and is he not aware that his statement in the answer given to my question must be the wrong answer?