§ 18. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Labour if he has yet come to any decision as to the continuance or otherwise of what is known as the transition period; if so, what is the nature of his decision; and, if not, can he state when a decision is likely to be arrived at?
§ Mr. BETTERTONMy right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement on this subject before the House rises for Easter.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that really that will be cutting it tremendously fine, in view of the anxiety that is felt in many quarters, and cannot the Minister see his way to make the statement at an earlier date than that?
§ Mr. BETTERTONMy right hon. Friend is fully mindful of the importance of making a statement on this matter, which is an important one, as soon as possible, and he has undertaken to do that.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWhat is the special information for which the right hon. Gentleman is waiting to enable him to come to a decision?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe information which is necessary before we legislate or if we legislate—I do not know whether or 367 not we shall—on a very important matter.
§ Mr. SHINWELLBut what is the information?
§ Mr. LAWSONWill this statement be made in time to give an opportunity for discussion?
§ Mr. BETTERTONYes, certainly.