HC Deb 28 October 1952 vol 505 cc1736-7
45. Major Markham

asked the Prime Minister whether he will designate a Minister who will be responsible to the House for all questions relating to Coronation festivities on which the Government is competent to give advice.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

No, Sir. Questions about the arrangements for the Coronation may fall within the competence of a number of Departments. The Ministers presiding over those Departments will answer those which relate to matters for which they are responsible. I will myself endeavour to answer Questions which do not fall within the special province of a Department of State.

Major Markham

Who will be responsible for dealing with entirely objectionable Coronation advertisements, such as the following: Coronation fancy dresses. Ladies' undies, ornamented with the Union Jack at the rear …"?

The Prime Minister

If my hon. and gallant Friend puts a question on the Paper, I will consider it.

Mr. Callaghan

Does the Prime Minister's refusal to appoint a co-ordinating Minister mark the first stage in the abandonment of the Overlords?