§ 49. Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Labour whether in view of impending legislation to deal with the administration of the means test and of the possibility that this legislation may remove differences at present existing between certain public assistance committees and his Department, he will consider the advisability, for the time being, of refraining from appointing any further commissioners to take over the duties of these public assistance committed?
Mr. HUDSONMy right hon. Friend can give no undertaking. The decision to appoint a commissioner for the county of Durham was announced on 18th October and my right hon. Friend must for the present at any rate continue with the preparatory arrangements which are bound to take a little time.
§ Mr. LAWSONWhen does the hon. Gentleman expect that the Bill announcing the changes will be out, and will it be before the commissioners are appointed?
Mr. HUDSONI think it is very probable, almost certain, that the text of the Bill will be available before we have finished making arrangements to put in the commissioners.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSCan my hon. Friend say when the Bill will be available?
§ Sir W. BRASSThat is not very helpful.