§ 48. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the urgent need for an efficient research department for the assistance of Members of Parliament in carrying out their duties; and whether he is aware that an organisation at the disposal of Members can be made to save an immense amount of work for Ministers and their staffs?
§ Mr. AttleeNo, Sir. Such a proposal is not practicable.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Minister not aware that more than 50 per cent. of the Questions on the Order Paper could be answered promptly by inquiry at an office formed on the lines which I suggest in my Question, and would not that be a great economy of time for Ministers and for the House?
§ Mr. AttleeI should have thought the answer to the hon. Member was that he might take up this proposal with the Ministries concerned, and not have put a Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. ShinwellSurely hon. Members can get all the information they want by asking questions from the Government?
§ Mr. BuchananHave not hon. Members of this House their own ideas to guide them on these matters without getting instructions from others?
§ Mr. AttleeI quite agree.