§ 46. Mr. Hurdasked the Prime Minister if he has yet decided a time-table for the run-down of the Ministry of Food and the ultimate transfer of any necessary remaining functions to other Departments.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The future of the Ministry of Food depends mainly on the progress we make in overcoming our economic difficulties. I shall certainly not permit any unnecessary administrative Departments to continue either in the Ministry of Food or elsewhere.
§ Mr. HurdYes, but may we take it that the Prime Minister will encourage our right hon. and gallant Friend in his declared ambition to be the last Minister of Food?
§ The Prime MinisterHopes—I am not speaking in any personal sense—must never be translated into promises.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWill the Prime Minister give an assurance that he will not allow rationing by the purse to replace fair shares for all, and, therefore, deprive that Ministry of its effect?
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman really mean that Tory promises should never be translated into hopes?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think the right hon. Gentleman is seeking information.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould not the right hon. Gentleman elucidate the point? It is somewhat complex.
§ The Prime MinisterQuite a lot of complicated situations arise in political life, as no one knows better than the former Minister of Defence.