§ 39. Mr. Greyasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is now prepared to make a statement on the transfer of a Department to the North-East.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry Brooke)I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly. I regret I am not able to do so today.
§ Mr. GreyAs I understand that that is due to the fact that the hon. Gentleman has taken so long to make up his mind about this matter, can we have an assurance that a statement will be made before the General Election?
§ Mr. BrookeWhen I say "shortly," I mean shortly.
§ Mr. D. JonesCannot the hon. Gentleman be a little more forthcoming? Last year he told a deputation of which I was a member that he would shortly be making a statement. What does he mean by "shortly"? Is it months or years?
§ Mr. BrookeI remember the deputation which I had the pleasure of meeting 992 last December. I did not use the word "shortly" then, but I made certain promises, and I shall keep those promises.