HC Deb 14 July 1970 vol 803 c1357
Q1. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint to the Cabinet a Minister responsible for the environment.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

I have nothing to add to what I said in the debate on the Address on 2nd July.—[Vol. 803, c. 93.]

Mr. Dalyell

Who will be responsible for representing the interests of expenditure on the environment in the public expenditure sub-committee of the right hon. Gentleman's Cabinet?

The Prime Minister

I explained to the House in the debate on the Address that the Minister of Housing and Local Government, who is in the Cabinet, is carrying the main responsibility for environmental problems. However, I am reviewing the whole structure of this matter to ensure that we get it right.

Mr. Crosland

Is the Prime Minister aware that the measures which the Labour Government took to protect the environment received widespread acclaim from hon. Members on both sides of the House? Is he further aware that his continued refusal to give an answer to this Question suggests that the present Government are seriously downgrading this entire crucial issue?

The Prime Minister

There is absolutely no justification whatever for that allegation. I am taking what I consider to be proper time to examine the whole structure of these Departments in dealing with the environment.