§ 45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether the future of the Department of Mines is under consideration as well as the Department of Overseas Trade?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)It has already been stated that legislation will be introduced dealing with the future of all three Departments.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre the Government not reconsidering the question of the position of the Department of Overseas Trade, and in that case why is the Department of Mines not receiving consideration?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNaturally, in the framing of legislation, the whole question is considered and reconsidered.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONDoes the special consideration which has been given to the Department of Overseas Trade as announced recently by the Prime Minister also mean that the same special reconsideration has been given to the other two Departments, or that the Overseas Trade Department has been singled out?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt would be invidious to attempt to draw a distinction between the various qualities of consideration that have been given.
§ Mr. JAMES HUDSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that in the very serious crisis that is facing us with regard to the coal industry something should be said of the consideration and reconsideration of the Government on the matter?