HC Deb 26 February 1947 vol 433 cc2067-8
45. Mr. Janner

asked the Prime Minister whether he will set up a committee to plan action designed to minimise the dislocation which may be caused by the recurrence of adverse weather conditions next winter and in subsequent winters and, in particular, to deal with problems which arise in this connection in respect of delays to road and rail transport, clearance of snow, burst pipes and other matters.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

I have been asked to reply. The Committee of Ministers, which is meeting under the Chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, is considering not only the immediate situation, but also what plans should be made to meet the problems which would arise from a recurrence of exceptionally cold weather next winter.

Mr. Janner

In view of the experiences we have had owing to the very severe weather, would it not be possible to co-opt other bodies and persons on to the Committee?

Mr. Greenwood

I think we can get all the advice we want, and a great deal of advice which we do not want. This must be the Government's responsibility. Although we are desirous of accepting the advice of skilled people, I do not think that we can co-opt them on to a Government body.

Mr. Stanley

Would the right hon. Gentleman ask the Ministerial Committee to issue an interim report on the question of burst pipes, because I want to know how to deal with mine?

Mr. Bossom

When the right hon. Gentleman says that this is the Government's responsibility, can he assure us that the Government have enough lead for the repair of burst pipes?

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking into account the possibility of a recurrence of adverse weather conditions during the forthcoming summer?