HC Deb 23 September 1943 vol 392 cc385-7
51. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he is primarily responsible for preparing any legislation which may be in contemplation arising out of the Uthwatt Report or, if hot, which Department is primarily responsible?

The Minister without Portfolio (Sir William Jowitt)

The Ministry of Town and Country Planning is the Department primarily responsible for the preparation of legislation arising out of the main recommendations of the Uthwatt Report.

Mr. Parker

Is the Ministry actively preparing legislation?

Sir W. Jowitt

The hon. Member had better put that Question to the Minister.

Mr. De la Bère

What are the Ministry of Town and Country Planning doing? I have never discovered what they are doing.

Mr. Lawson

Have the Government arrived at any decision upon the Uthwatt Report?

Sir W. Jowitt

That question and the question as to what the Ministry are doing should, I think, be addressed to the Minister.

Mr. Lawson

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that every Minister tells us the same thing?

Mr. MacLaren

Is it not generally accepted that the policy of the Ministry of Town and Country Planning is dictated by the Minister without Portfolio?

Sir W. Jowitt

If that is generally accepted, it is wholly wrong.

Mr. MacLaren

But has not the Minister without Portfolio stated publicly that it is his business to see that other Departments take the necessary steps?

Sir W. Jowitt

I certainly stimulate them, but I do not dictate their policy.

Mr. Hammersley

Could the Minister increase the stimulation?

Mr. MacLaren

Did not the Minister without Portfolio give it out to the House on two occasions that he was in control of these two Departments in so far as policy was concerned?

Sir L. Lyle

Cannot the right hon. and learned Gentleman be called "The Minister for Stimulation"?

Sir W. Jowitt

If the hon. Member for Burslem (Mr. MacLaren) will verify the facts he will find that I said that before the Bill for the appointment of the Minister of Town and Country Planning was passed.

Mr. Stephen

Is the Minister aware that the House is greatly concerned about his stimulus being so ineffective?