§ 46. Mr. Lipsonasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the importance of the food problem, he proposes to invite the Minister of Food to be a member of the Cabinet.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The Minister of Food is invited to attend the Cabinet when matters affecting his Department are under consideration.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the reason for that unsatisfactory answer the fact that the problem is not considered sufficiently important, or if it is not, will the Prime Minister say what it is?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the hon. Member mistakes the functions of the Cabinet. My hon. Friend the Minister of Food will be present at the Cabinet on all occasions when matters touching on or affecting his Department are concerned. It is impossible, without extending the numbers of the Cabinet far beyond what is desirable, that all departmental Ministers should be Cabinet Ministers, and it is no reflection whatever on the importance of any particular subject whether or not a Minister is included in the Cabinet. Obviously food questions are very much under discussion at the moment.
§ Mr. LipsonWould the Prime Minister consider making the Minister of Food a Member of the Cabinet so long as the present emergency exists?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir I do not think that would be desirable. It would be an "In and out " method. It would be difficult with regard to the "In," and even more difficult with regard to coming " out."
Mr. E. P. SmithHas the Prime Minister considered the desirability of combining the Ministry of Food with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries?
§ The Prime MinisterI should have thought that the fact that these matters are very urgent and important was an obvious reason why one should not try to combine them and put extra duties on one man.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonShould one ask the Minister of Food for particulars of allocations and shipments of grain to India?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, I think it would be convenient if all the food questions were put to him because, of course, he is in very close touch with the Secretary of State for India and the other Departments concerned. Food matters should primarily go to him.