MINISTER OF FOOD (CABINET MEMBERSHIP) (Hansard, 26 February 1946)

§ 47. Mr. Lipson
asked the Prime Minister if he is proposing to invite the Minister of Food to become a member of the Cabinet.

§ The Prime Minister
No, Sir.

§ Mr. Lipson
In view of the importance of the food question to the country at the present time, cannot the Prime Minister give some reason for that answer?

§ The Prime Minister
Certainly, Sir. There are a number of important Ministers who are not actually members of the Cabinet, because it is inadvisable to. swell the Cabinet beyond a certain number, but that does not mean, in the least, that these subjects are not fully discussed or that the Minister concerned is not summoned to the Cabinet when that is necessary.

Major Lloyd
Does not the Prime Minister realise how greatly the public are looking forward to the promotion of their popular idol?

§ Mr. Lipson
May I ask the Prime Minister, in view of the shock his answer will give to the public, to give further-consideration to this matter?

§ The Prime Minister
I really think my hon. Friend underestimates the intelligence of the public.

Mr. De la Bère
Is not the whole matter ruled over by the Treasury?