§ 46. Mr. Neil Maclean (for Mr. McKinlay)asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to allocate the responsibility for postwar reconstruction in Scotland to the Ministry of Works and Buildings?
§ Mr. AttleeNo, Sir. The general responsibility for post-war reconstruction in Scotland lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, acting in close consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Paymaster-General, who is co-ordinating the study of all reconstruction problems. Other Ministers with departmental responsibilities in Scotland, including my Noble Friend the Minister of Works and Buildings, share in the work of Scottish reconstruction. The Secretary of State for Scotland will continue to be responsible for the exercise in Scotland of the functions in regard to planning to be exercised in England and Wales by my Noble Friend the Minister of Works and Planning designate.
Mr. McNeilWill the right hon. Gentleman say why he used the phrase "general responsibility," since he has said in the latter part of the reply that the responsibility rests upon the Secretary of State for Scotland Why "general responsibility"? What does the qualification mean?
§ Mr. AttleeI think the answer points out that he does act with other Ministers with special responsibilities, but the general, broad responsibility lies on the Secretary of State for Scotland.