§ 45. Mr. LAWSONasked the Prime Minister whether he has reconsidered the previously announced policy of the Government in respect to the Ministry of Transport, Mines Department, and the Department of Overseas Trade; and whether he will make a statement on the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not yet in a position to add anything to the replies which I have already given to questions on this subject.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs there any truth in the statements made very definitely in the Press that there is a decision to retain the Ministry of Transport and the Overseas Trade Department?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not seen those statements myself, and I should advise the hon. Member to wait until we make an announcement.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a discussion on 1424 the Mines Department is due to take place at an early date—I think next week—and can he see his way to make a statement before that discussion takes place?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will bear that in mind.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the present Ministers still be in charge of these Departments in the Autumn Session; and are we still to send communications to them then?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is rather a hypothetical question. I think it is probable that whatever legislation may be required will be taken in the Autumn Session.
§ Mr. LAWSONBefore any decision is made to dissolve the Mines Department, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the grave conditions prevailing in the mining industry and the need for a separate Department?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the fact that, even to-day, we are unable to get necessary information concerning the mines of Great Britain?
§ Mr. R. MORRISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman anticipate being in a position to make a full statement in regard to the three Departments before the House rises?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat I think is extremely doubtful.
§ Sir J. NALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the overlapping between the Ministry of Transport and the Home Office in regard to the constantly recurring question of safety on the roads; and is there not urgent necessity that all matters concerning safety on the roads should be consolidated under the Home Office?
§ PRIME MINISTERIt is of course questions like that which take time.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that the officers of these Departments are to be kept in prolonged suspense as to their future, and in view of that suspense will he not expedite his decision?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe are being as quick as we can, and the disability to which the hon. and gallant Member refers is inevitable in the circumstances.