§ 50. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister by what body the reconsideration of the desirability of instituting a Ministry of Supply is being undertaken?
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement which I made on 29th March. The institution or not of a Ministry of Supply is a matter for the consideration of His Majesty's Government.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHas the attention of the Prime Minister been called to the statement made in the Territorial Journal, "Defence," that there are 500,000 young men anxious to serve their country, but that the present state of organisation in our foundries, workshops and arsenals does not permit of their receiving the equipment which will enable them to do so?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not seen that statement.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherDoes the right hon. Gentleman recollect the statement of the present Secretary of State for War last October that we cannot properly accelerate our Defence proposals by our existing system of supply?