HC Deb 20 April 1943 vol 388 c1537
49. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister without Portfolio who is responsible for co-ordinating the work of the various Departments in so far as they relate to post-war planning?

Sir W. Jowitt

I explained in detail in the Debate on the Address the machinery we have established to co-ordinate the work of the various Departments in relation to post-war planning. If my hon. Friend will be good enough to refer to Col. 1084 of the OFFICIAL REPORT of 1st December last—I am aware he was abroad at the time—he will find the whole arrangements there fully described.

Mr. Lawson

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the last answer he gave to me on the subject of the co-ordination of the work on post-war planning by the various Departments was so vague that it gave the impression there was no co-ordination?

Sir W. Jowitt

I hope my hon. Friend will refer to the passage I mentioned, because he will see there a considered statement; I am afraid it is rather long, but I think it is fairly clear.

Earl Winterton

In view of the confusion caused in our minds by the answers given on this subject, will my right hon. and learned Friend consult with the Prime Minister with a view to obtaining permission to publish a White Paper or some statement of exactly what has been done and what is contemplated in the near future?

Sir W. Jowitt

I really think the statement to which I have referred was pretty clear. If I have obscured the situation unreasonably, it is because I have been tempted to try to give extempore answers to Questions.