§ 57. Mr. Sidney Marshallasked the Minister of Food how many persons are acting as directors of departments in his Department who still retain their private trade interests; and whether he will take early steps to replace them by independent officials.
§ Dr. SummerskillWith regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend circulated on 21st February, 1946. With regard to the second part, this is not a time when the country can afford to lose the services which these experts have rendered so ungrudgingly.
§ Mr. MarshallIs the hon. Lady aware of the grave concern felt by food manufacturers in this country at the retention of their trade competitors in official positions in the Ministry of Food?
§ Dr. SummerskillIn my opinion, it is not wise to swap horses in mid-stream.
§ Captain Francis Noel-BakerDoes the hon. Lady realise that there is dissatisfaction on this subject, not only among the interested parties, but also on this side of the House?
§ Dr. SummerskillOf course, I cannot say what we shall do when we reach the shore.