§ 54. Mr. BATEYasked the Prime Minister whether the President of the Board of Trade and Sir Horace Wilson will only be concerned with the rationalisation of industry; and can he state what department will have the responsibility of providing temporary or permanent work for the unemployed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the very full reply which I gave on Thursday last in reply to questions on this subject, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. As regards the last part of the question, no change has taken place in the procedure already announced that the Minister of the Department concerned will be responsible.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the Prime Minister aware that the answer to the question on Thursday last simply bears the construction that all that the Government propose to do is to rationalise industry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat was neither my intention nor my reply. My reply related to one point, but it did not mean that that was the only point under consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it the case that what is known as the short-range policy does not come under Sir Horace Wilson? Does it still remain under the Lord Privy Seal?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the original question.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWith very great respect, the second part of the question does refer to what is usually called the short-range policy, as understood by this House.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe second part of the question refers to the first part.