§ Q6. Mr. Moonmanasked the Prime Minister how frequently the distribution and substance of Ministerial portfolios, with particular reference to industrial matters, is reviewed.
§ The Prime MinisterThe distribution of work between Departments is kept under continuous review, Sir.
§ Mr. MoonmanWhile appreciating the difficulties involved in that reply, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend would agree that it is necessary in modern government, if it is to fulfil its rôle in partnership between Government and industry, to maintain a regular review? At the same time, will he refute the charge that this Government do not understand the facts of industrial life?
§ The Prime MinisterDistribution of work between Departments is continuously reviewed. My hon. Friend will be aware of the much greater integration of effort so far as consultation between Government Departments and Ministers, on the one hand, and industry—both on a general national basis and individual industries—on the other, and of how much has been achieved in the last three years.
§ Mr. HeathCan the Prime Minister say who, if anyone, is in charge of the D.E.A.? Is it to be strengthened or abolished?
§ The Prime MinisterThe position so far as Ministerial responsibility is exactly as last announced to the House concerning the D.E.A. With regard to the future the right hon. Gentleman should take care not to believe all that he reads in the newspapers.
§ The Prime MinisterIf the right hon. Gentleman was incapable of hearing the last time I answered, the position is that 1724 I still have a general charge, with the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs doing the day-to-day work there. With regard to the second part of the question, there is no question of abolishing the Department, and I again commend the right hon. Gentleman not to get too excited about what he reads in the papers.
§ Sir F. BennettCould the Prime Minister inform the House as to who is fulfilling the task of the former Paymaster-General and of the right hon. Gentleman who is now Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, both of which Ministers were paid full-time previously?
§ The Prime MinisterNeither of those questions arises out of the Question on the Order Paper. My noble Friend the former Paymaster-General and my right hon. Friend who was then the First Secretary were not charged with industrial duties. In the present situation some of their duties have been reallocated among other non-Departmental Ministers.
§ Mr. HefferTo prove that the Government really understand the industrial facts of life, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance this afternoon that any idea of compulsory wages legislation will be dropped?
§ The Prime MinisterTo show that we fully understand the facts of industrial life, and the economic necessities of the nation at this time, the answer is that it will not be dropped.