HC Deb 15 November 1949 vol 469 cc1858-9
46. Mr. Collins

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulties which arise in the horticultural industry from the division of responsibility between the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Food, he will arrange for a transfer of both staff and functions so that one Minister shall be responsible for the co-ordination of home production and distribution with imports of horticultural produce.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I see no sufficient reason for treating horticulture differently from other branches of food production.

Mr. Collins

Does that answer mean that my right hon. Friend believes that co-ordination is now satisfactory and that the difficulties which have arisen in the past are unlikely to recur?

The Prime Minister

Arrangements have been made for very close co-operation between the two Ministries concerned.

Mr. Wilfrid Roberts

If the right hon. Gentleman will not consider it for horticulture alone, would he consider an inquiry into the desirability of making one Minister responsible for the whole of the functions of both these Ministries?

The Prime Minister

I think the hon. Member is asking a question which I answered last week.

Mr. Turton

Is the Prime Minister aware that in all parts of the House there is great concern about the lack of harmony between these two Ministers? Will the right hon. Gentleman cause an investigation to be made so that there may be one settled horticultural policy agreed to by both Ministers?

The Prime Minister

I think the hon. Member is quite wrong. I do not think there is any such general feeling in the House. I have looked into this matter and I know that there is close co-operation between both Ministries.