§ 46. Mr. Frank Byersasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that no consultations took place between the Ministers of Food and Agriculture when the decision was taken to cut down 16 acres of growing wheat to extend the aeronautical research station near Bedford; and what machinery he intends to set up to obtain better coordination between these two Ministries.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is quite appropriate that decisions in individual cases of this kind shouud be taken on the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and without consultation. I am satisfied that the existing machinery is adequate to ensure the fullest coordination between the Ministers of Food and Agriculture on all broad questions of mutual concern.
§ Mr. ByersIs the Prime Minister aware that that opinion is not shared by many hon. Members in all parts of the House? Is he further aware that this is only one of many examples of lack of coordination and consultation between Government Departments? Could he not take the opportunity of the Recess to overhaul the whole machinery of Government?
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeAs the Member of Parliament affected by this Question, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, while a great many of my constituents regret the necessity for what has happened, they are quite determined that it shall not be used as part of a Tory ramp?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDid not the Departments concerned understand that this would probably happen—that but for the agreement of the Minister of Agriculture a very much larger area of land now to be cropped would have had to be immobilised, that the wheat concerned is being used for silage, and that the Research Station is of the first importance to the country's welfare?