HC Deb 22 January 1957 vol 563 c19
28. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Labour when the hon. Member for Coat-bridge and Airdrie may expect a reply to her communication about the question of Scottish apprenticeships for school leavers and their relationship to the English figures.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Robert Carr)

I wrote to the hon. Member on 17th December, giving her this information.

Mrs. Mann

If it takes five weeks to give me a simple answer to a simple question, how long will it take if I ask a supplementary question with regard to the regional position? Can the hon. Gentleman assure me that the Minister will still be there to give me the reply? If not, to whom can I look on the back benches as the person likely to be able to give me a reply?

Mr. Carr

In the midst of this changing world, in which my right hon. Friend and myself feel rather permanent, I think I can give the hon. Lady the assurance for which she asks. As to the time of five weeks, I told her when she asked her question that the reply would be a few weeks in coming, and she must admit that she has had it within that time limit.