§ 49. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Prime Minister, in view of the importance of the immediate post-war housing problem if he will designate a Cabinet Minister to be responsible to this House with powers and responsibility of a similar nature to those entrusted to the Minister of Defence for the conduct of the war.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir I. AlberyIs the Prime Minister satisfied that the present arrangements provide sufficiently for dealing with what is going to be the most critical emergency in the post-war period?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not under-rate the importance of the issue, but I am always doubtful—I am always inclined to be at first sight doubtful—whether particular evils are always cured by adding to the numbers of Ministers of the Crown.
§ Sir I. AlberyWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that the whole point of my Question was that one Minister should be responsible, not three or four?
§ The Prime MinisterThere are different aspects which have to be treated by different Ministers.
§ Mr. LewisWould my right hon. Friend consider recalling one of the Ministers who are at present abroad, doing work which might be done by members of the Diplomatic Service?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, I think we are very well served abroad.
Mr. AstorCould not the number of Ministers dealing with this question be reduced by giving the whole of housing to the Minister of Works, and taking it from the over-burdened Minister of Health?
§ The Prime MinisterI am of the opinion that in a matter so very closely affecting the life of the people, and of such great interest to Members of this House, it is better that the representative, or one of the representatives, should be in this House.
§ Sir I. AlberyI beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise this question at an early date.