§ 45. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that many problems peculiar to the fishing industry distinguish it from the agricultural and pastoral industries; that these problems are growing in number and diversity; that the absence of a Minister solely devoted to fishing is prejudicial to producers and consumers and, in view of this, if he will reconsider the Government's refusal to 1271 separate the Ministry of Fisheries from the Ministry of Agriculture, and take steps to appoint a separate Minister of Fisheries.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)We are fortunate in having many important industries. It would not be a good plan either for the country or for industries themselves to create separate small Government Departments. The multiplication of Ministries, many of whose heads could not be included in a Cabinet, would not promote a balanced and concerted economy.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Prime Minister realise that the practical bearing of this suggestion is shown on the one hand by the battle of Crichel Down and, on the other hand, by the Icelandic and Norwegian disputes, both instances showing that these two industries are too great a burden for one Minister and will he reconsider his answer?
§ The Prime MinisterI have thought of this in all its bearings.