HC Deb 21 December 1927 vol 212 cc377-8
45. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes, before the House rises, to state the policy of the Government with respect to the future of the Ministry of Transport, Department of Mines, and Department of Overseas Trade, respectively?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

Sir; the policy of the Government is, as was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget speech, to effect a contraction by every possible means in the administrative structure of the State. The proposed abolition as separate Departments of the Department of Overseas Trade, the Ministry of Transport and the Mines Department cannot be effected without legislation, except in the case of the Department of Overseas Trade. Since the intention to abolish these Departments was made public the Government have received a continuous series of representations from traders, from transport organisations, from miners and other interests concerned in their activities, as well as from a large number of Members of this House. In these circumstances it is evident that the necessary legislation will be controversial. It must therefore be considered in relation to the time of the House likely to be available next Session and to the general state of Parliamentary business. It would not be right to make demands upon Parliamentary time out of all proportion to the actual savings likely to be effected.

Mr. MORRISON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the actual effect of that reply means that the Departments will go on as usual until the Government can find time for legislation?

The PRIME MINISTER

That seems to be a reasonable deduction.

Mr. PARKINSON

In view of the fact that the Secretary for Mines is going to India, who is going to take charge of the Mines Department in his absence?

The PRIME MINISTER

Well, I think that must rest with the head of the Government who will attend to that particular duty of his in due time.

Mr. HARRIS

Do we understand from the answer that the Ministers in charge of these Departments are to retain their jobs?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is, of course, one way of putting it. I think I would rather say that for the time being they will carry on.