§ Q4. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint one Minister, already holding Departmental responsibility, to be responsible for co-ordinating action on space communications.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. Several Departments are involved. The arrange- 194 ments for co-ordinating their respective interests have recently been reviewed.
§ Mr. PopplewellWill not the Prime Minister look at the matter again? Is not he aware of the general dissatisfaction with the split responsibilities of Ministers towards the people in the areas where there is very little new work going? [HON. MEMBERS: "Wrong Question."] I do not know what the hullabaloo is about. This is too serious a matter to be shrugged off in that way.
Will the Prime Minister have a word with others of his Ministers and suggest, for example, that part of the housing problem in London might be eased if more work were give to the North-East, Scotland and the West?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall, of course, take into account what the hon. Gentleman has said. I know his anxieties. I hope that he will not think it discourteous of me if I point out that we are now dealing with a Question relating to space communications.