§ 45. Mr. Sandysasked the Prime Minister, in view of the deterioration in the international situation, what steps it is proposed to take to accelerate our defence preparations; and whether, in this connection, it is his intention to create a Ministry of Supply?
§ The Prime MinisterIn reply to the first part of the question, I propose to make a short statement dealing with our defence preparations in connection with the statement on foreign policy. The answer to the second part of the question is that the Government do not, as at 1196 present advised, consider that acceleration would result from the establishment of a Ministry of Supply.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs the reluctance of the Prime Minister to adopt this suggestion due to the fact that he does not know of a suitable Member of this House to fill the post of Minister of Supply?
§ The Prime MinisterNot at all.