HC Deb 25 January 1944 vol 396 cc532-3
47. Mr. Graham White

asked the Prime Minister, which Department of State is now responsible for arrangements for securing full employment after the war; and to which of is Majesty's Ministers questions on this matter should be addressed.

Mr. Attlee

The maintenance of a high level of employment after the war will be a primary object of the policy of the Government as a whole, and cannot be the function of any single Department. Questions bearing on particular aspects should be addressed to the appropriate Minister. Questions of a general economic or financial character should be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand that Lord Woolton, who is now Minister of Reconstruction, is not making it one of his primary functions to consider this question of full employment? If it is left to departmental action, may it not be that we shall miss the point when the time comes?

Mr. Attlee

It is not suggested by me that it is left to departmental action. The point was, which Minister should be asked particular questions. Obviously, if special questions relate to particular Ministers, it is undesirable that they should all be referred to the Minister of Reconstruction.

Mr. Shinwell

Would it not be a more tidy method of dealing with these questions if one Minister, on behalf of all the other Departments, were made responsible for replying, on a matter of such importance?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir, I do not think so.

Mr. Graham White

Is there any co-ordination among the three Ministers this work, or are they all working independently?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir. Of course, it has all been worked out in committees.

Mr. Kirkwood

In the event of the Government's not being able to guarantee full employment, will they guarantee full maintenance, as far as the capacity of this country can do so?