§ 52. Mr. SANDYSasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether His Majesty's Government have yet reached a decision as to the advisability of setting up a ministry of supply?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThe Government will set up such a ministry if and as soon as they are satisfied that this would be in the public interest and calculated to facilitate or increase the rate of the completion of the Government programme.
§ Mr. SANDYSAre we to understand that this matter is still under consideration, or that a decision has been taken for the time being not to set up a separate ministry of supply?
§ Sir T. INSKIPIt is a misconception of the position to speak of the decision as final. It is a matter which must constantly be under Government consideration, every day and every week.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISHow long will it take them to make up their mind?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIf there is such keenness on the other side to secure adequate food supplies in time of war, why should not the Government start now and see that every family is adequately supplied?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question cannot be made the subject of debate.