HC Deb 01 March 1948 vol 448 c22
45. Sir T. Moore

asked the Prime Minister whether the transfer to the Ministry of Food from the Ministry of Health of powers at present exercised by the latter, in regard to the Food and Drugs Acts, means that the Ministry of Food is to become a permanent Government Department in this country; and whether he will make a statement in this connection.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

As this House was informed on 7th November, 1945, it is the Government's intention that the Ministry of Food should continue as a separate and permanent Department of Government.

Sir T. Moore

May I ask the Prime Minister what is the purpose of retaining this purely wartime expedient? Is it to give us food or to take it from us, or is it to give it to the drones and butterflies—with all respect to the hon. Lady, the Parliamentary Secretary, to whom no offence is intended—and other people in an unproductive community?

The Prime Minister

The hon. and gallant Member must read the previous Debates on this subject to get the answers to all his points.