HC Deb 25 November 1952 vol 508 c254
45. Miss Ward

asked the Prime Minister if the Government will have an inquiry made, Department by Department, into the legislative and administrative disabilities suffered by the small business man and woman with a view to relieving them from the disadvantages they operate under.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

I presume that the hon. Lady is referring to a number of individual matters on which she has written to me. I am having these looked into by the appropriate Departments.

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the satisfaction that that will give? [Laughter.] May I have silence, Mr. Speaker, in order that I might ask my supplementary question?

Mr. Churchill

I am advised that over the country as a whole—[Interruption.] I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, I thought you had called Question No. 46.

Mr. Speaker

I think that the hon. Lady had better repeat her supplementary question.

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the satisfaction his answer will give, having regard to the fact that during the Socialists' term of office they did everything they possibly could to "down" the small man?

Mr. Speaker

That seems to be conveying information rather than asking for it.

Mr. Swingler

On a point of order. In view of the fact that the Prime Minister very courteously began to give an answer to my Question No. 46, may I have the rest of it?

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Griffiths.