HC Deb 10 December 1934 vol 296 cc30-1
45. Mr. ALAN TODD

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the immediate appointment of a Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, in view of the arduous nature of the Minister's present duties?

46. Mr. PIKE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the extensive duties involving administration and personal supervision falling upon the Minister of Transport, he will appoint a Parliamentary Secretary to that Department at the earliest moment?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

This question is under consideration, but it is not quite clear at the moment that the need for an appointment has arisen.

Mr. PIKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the principal task of the Minister of Transport is the saving of human life, and, as his success depends to a very large extent upon his absence from this House, would it not be far better for a solution of this problem to appoint a deputy at once?

The PRIME MINISTER

I can assure the House that the answer I have given is not altogether without the cognisance of the Minister.