§ 66. Mr. Manderasked the Minister without Portfolio whether he has any statement to make with regard to the work of any of the committees engaged under his supervision with post-war reconstruction plans and, in particular, the prevention of unemployment?
§ Sir W. JowittI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hornsey (Captain Gammans) on 29th July. The Committees engaged under my supervision consist of civil servants; their reports are transmitted to the Minister primarily concerned with any particular aspect of the problem being considered, and it is to him that questions should be addressed. I do not think it desirable to make any statement about reports which Ministers receive from civil servants.
§ Mr. ManderDo I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend is not prepared to make any statement in the near future with regard to the plans of the Government for dealing with unemployment after the war? If he cannot make a statement, will he consider publishing another White Paper?
§ Sir W. JowittNo, Sir, I did not say any such thing. The Question on the Paper refers specifically to reports from Civil Servants. I merely said that I was not prepared to publish these reports. The Ministries concerned must take responsibility for action or inaction, as the case may be.
§ Mr. ManderIs not my right hon. and learned Friend prepared to make a statement at an early date on the whole question of Government policy after the war?
§ Sir W. JowittThat has nothing to do with the Question on the Order Paper, and my hon. Friend should put the question down.