§ 21. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what machinery he has set up in his Department to fulfil his functions with regard to transport, and particularly to the problems of commuters.
§ Mr. WilleyThe responsibility for policy on transport rests with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. In so far as it raises questions affecting my responsibilities I shall keep in close touch with him.
§ Mr. WebsterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he seems to be in close 845 touch with a lot of Ministers and can he described as a sort of "minuteman"? Is he having consultation with the Minister of Transport or Dr. Beeching on plans for new railway lines or new roads? We should like more detail on this point, as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster stated that he was responsible for improving the lot of the commuter in this country.
§ Mr. WilleyClose contact between Ministers is the sign of a good Government. I am surprised that the hon. Member thinks that so remarkable.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs he will have noticed that my hon. Friend's Question asked what machinery he has set up, could not the right hon. Gentleman for once answer a Question as it appears on the Order Paper?
§ Mr. WilleyI have not found it necessary to set up any machinery for this purpose.