HC Deb 01 July 1947 vol 439 cc1134-5
45. Mr. Beechman

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the necessity of making the best use of our ability to produce food, he will reconsider the case for placing a special Minister in charge of fisheries.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. There is no reason to believe that the appointment of a special Minister for fisheries would lead to an increase in the production of fish.

Mr. Beechman

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the great need for the closest co-ordination at top level of the various aspects of the fishing industry now the concern of a large number of Departments, in addition to those of the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Food, the Admiralty, and so forth? Has not the Ministry of Agriculture quite enough to do already in maintaining agriculture?

The Prime Minister

I cannot think that co-ordination would be any better if we appointed a special Minister. It is not suggested that he should take over the Navy, or anything of that sort.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the Prime Minister apply that principle and abolish the Ministry of Fuel and Power?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member is mistaken. The creation of the Ministry of Fuel and Power precisely effected the bringing together of various Departments separately responsible for gas, electricity and coal.