HC Deb 02 February 1943 vol 386 cc749-50
50. Sir L. Lyle

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to the practical outcome of the deliberations of the Anti-U-boat Warfare Committee constituted in February, 1941; who is the present chairman of the committee; and how often has it met since its initiation?

Mr. Attlee

Having regard to the operational issues involved, it would not be in the public interest to give the House details at this stage as to the practical outcome of this Committee's deliberations. As regards the composition of the Committee, and the frequency of its meetings, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 15th December last.

Sir L. Lyle

Having regard to this 1941 Committee and to the new Committee which has recently been appointed, would it not be far better to have a Chairman who could give his full time to the job and not a Minister who has another Department to look after?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir; I think the present arrangement is working extremely well.

Mr. Shinwell

Surely there is something to be said for having someone who is not preoccupied with other important duties, such, for example, as the Minister of Aircraft Production, to tackle what is after all the most serious element in the war effort? Will not the Government reconsider this matter and appoint someone who can devote the whole of his time to considering how to combat this deadly menace?

Mr. Attlee

The matter was very carefully considered by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. The arrangement he has made is working well, and it is one which he thinks is for the best.

Sir H. Williams

How can this right hon. and learned Gentleman be Minister of Aircraft Production, Chairman of this Committee and address shop stewards every Saturday night?