§ 45. Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister if he will instruct the Ministers of Labour, Agriculture, and Education to provide during the coming winter, in co-operation with the local education authorities, the Workers' Educational Association, and other appropriate bodies, educational facilities for German ex-prisoners and European Volunteer Workers similar to those formerly provided for prisoners of war at Radwinter and Trumpington Camps and the Wilton Park Training Centre.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I have been asked to reply. German ex-prisoners and European Volunteer Workers transferred from Holding Hostels to employment may take advantage of all educational facilities provided by local education authorities and voluntary organisations in the same way as ordinary British citizens. Special arrangements are made by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Labour and National Service and the Minister of Education for European Volunteer Workers while they are in Holding Hostels, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of Ministry of Education Circular Number 150 on the subject.
§ Mr. SymondsWhile one sympathises with the object of this Question, is it constitutionally correct to suggest that a Prime Minister should instruct other Ministers on detailed matters of the administration of their Departments?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think perhaps the word "instruct" may be a little on the harsh side in this matter, and that it might be questioned from the point of view of the spirit of Cabinet government and Parliamentary democracy.