HC Deb 25 May 1950 vol 475 cc2233-4
46. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a measure of economy he will consider abolishing the Ministry of Town and Country Planning and transferring existing duties to appropriate Departments.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 27th April on the general question of redistribution of functions between Government Departments. To this he has nothing to add, except that the reduction in the number of Departments does not necessarily lead to economies.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

As the House may anticipate the same kind of offer to Questions Nos. 47 and 48, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the purpose of these Questions is to give him an opportunity of saying whether the Government are in favour of administrative economy or not?

Mr. Morrison

I think the whole House knows that the Government are in favour of administrative economy, but I am bound to point out that, these being about the only proposals from the Opposition for economy, they are a long, long way off fulfilling the promises they made to taxpayers at the election.

47. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Prime Minister if he will give an estimate of the financial saving which would be effected if, for administrative purposes, the Ministries of Pensions and National Insurance were amalgamated.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have been asked to reply. It is impossible to make a precise estimate of the effect of amalgamating the two Departments mentioned. But my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is satisfied that any saving could not be substantial.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what the word "substantial" means?

Mr. Morrison

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman has an adequate degree of intelligence to understand the word as well as I can.

48. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider creating an air division of the Ministry of Transport to take over the duties of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; and if he will give an estimate of the saving that would result.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) on 4th May. The saving would not be large, but cannot be precisely estimated.