§ 44. Major C. S. Taylorasked the Prime Minister the terms of reference and the names of the members of the inter-Departmental Committee which has been set up under the chairmanship of the Minister without Portfolio to examine what measures should be taken for the rehabilitation of the South-east coast towns.
§ The Prime MinisterVarious measures taken from 1940 onwards to prepare against the danger of invasion place the 2169 post-war rehabilitation of some of the coast towns in the South-east of England on a special basis. The Minister without Portfolio has undertaken to keep their problems under review and to collate them with the Government's reconstruction programme. He will be assisted, as may be necessary, by officials from the various Departments concerned. This arrangement would lose in effectiveness if there were formal terms of reference or a committee with fixed membership. The security aspect has also to be considered.
Dr. Russell ThomasIs it not a fact that some Southern and Eastern towns such as Southampton, as well as South-Eastern towns, have suffered very considerably under the same conditions? Will not these also be considered.
§ The Prime MinisterWhere these particular conditions have prevailed, consequent on the proximity to the sea of these towns, and the danger of invasion, the matters will be examined specially by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister without Portfolio.