HC Deb 16 May 1944 vol 400 cc27-9
48. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Prime Minister if he will now consider the appointment of a Minister for civil aviation or without portfolio to answer for this increasingly important subject of the Government's post-war plans in the House of Commons.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. Responsibility for civil aviation rests with the Secretary of State for Air under statutory authority. The Secretary of State for Air will, therefore, continue to answer for his Department. Responsibility for the co-ordination of Government policy under the War Cabinet rests with the C.A.T. Committee, of which the Lord Privy Seal is Chairman and the Secretary of State for Air a member. I should like to say, in giving this piece of information of a Cabinet Committee, that it must not be taken as a precedent.

Mr. Granville

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether he will take into consideration the fact that important international discussions are going on and that the House of Commons has no direct contact with the Minister responsible? This is not only a matter of public policy. The public purse is also affected, as this is very much a spending Committee.

The Prime Minister

That is the case whenever a subject is handled by a Member of the other place. We, naturally, do not have direct contact but we have our usual share of the offices and functions of State in this House; in fact, it is sometimes thought to be rather the other way. However, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air will hold himself entirely at the disposition of the House.

Mr. Bowles

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Labour Party published a pamphlet of policy in regard to the future of civil aviation about a week ago? Was that considered by the Cabinet Committee and, if so, why was it dismissed in two sentences by the Lord Privy Seal in his speech last Wednesday in another place?

The Prime Minister

It certainly shows that my Noble Friend has considered the matter, but I will draw his attention to the hon. Member's question. I feel that this matter is in very capable hands.

Colonel Arthur Evans

Can my right hon. Friend say why the Lord Privy Seal used two words instead of one? [Laughter.]

Mr. Bowles

Does not the Prime Minister think that the hilarity with which that last question was received shows the contempt with which the continuance of the Coalition is held in certain parts of the House?

Mr. A. Bevan

Is that indicative of the attention that the Government give to Labour Party proposals on policy?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member must have it out with my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Cardiff (Colonel A. Evans).