§ 45. Mr. Simmonsasked the Prime Minister if he will consider publication of the White Paper on the extinction of the Ministry of Pensions at a date 543 considerably earlier than the end of April in order to allow ex-Service organisations adequate time to consider its contents, and possible representations, before irrevocable steps have been taken.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)It will not be possible to present the White Paper before the end of April. But as it is not intended that the amalgamation between the Ministries of Pensions and National Insurance will take place before 1st August at the earliest, ample time will be available for the making of representations by people wishing to do so.
§ Mr. SimmonsIs the Prime Minister aware of the necessity for allowing the people most concerned an opportunity of expressing their opinions? Is he aware of the conferences of the ex-Service organisations at Whitsuntide and Easter and also the earlier conferences? They really ought to have the information before they can come to a reasoned and informed decision on the matter.
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the hon. Gentleman may perhaps have prepared his supplementary question before he heard my answer.