§ 46. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have reached a decision with regard to the proposed abolition of the Department of Overseas Trade?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)The matter referred to in the hon. Member's question is engaging the close attention of His Majesty's Government. I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs it to be understood that the decision to abolish this Department has now been brought under review for consideration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by the statement that it is receiving the consideration of the Government? Does the decision that the Department is to be abolished stand?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe are investigating a problem of some difficulty, as to what functions shall cease and what functions shall remain, and how the work shall be done.
§ Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRCan the right hon. Gentleman say how any function can possibly remain if, as he has just stated, the Ministry is to be abolished?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the Ministry were abolished some of the functions would go with it.
§ Mr. MAXTONWas the decision to abolish the Department merely an ill-considered step to appease the cry for economy in the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHADid Lord Salisbury accurately state in another place the view of the Cabinet on this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI did not see what he said, but I am quite sure that whatever he said was accurate.