HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc947-8
45. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the name of the Member of the War Cabinet who presides over the committee which is constantly sitting to deal with questions connected with the Food Ministry on the one hand and the Ministry of Agriculture on the other?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

As my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal explained in the House on the 8th February, he is the chairman of the committee in question.

Mr. De la Bère

Are we to understand that from now onwards the Lord Privy Seal will be 100 per cent. responsible for the agricultural policy of the country. Is my right hon. Friend aware that what is worrying the country is that the Minister of Agriculture has a policy and no power while the Lord Privy Seal has power but no policy?

The Prime Minister

Like many epigrams, that is not true.

Mr. John Morgan

Will the Lord Privy Seal have executive authority and not be a mere co-ordinator?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.