§ Q2. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Prime Minister whether he will devolve upon the Minister without Portfolio the duty of the co-ordination of Government Departments; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Gregory) on 4th November, 1969.—[Vol. 790, c. 92.]
§ Mr. JenkinsWill my right hon. Friend reconsider the position? Is he not aware that in the last month his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has stated that the average amount of assistance given to council house tenants is about the same as the average relief received by mortgagors, whereas the Minister of Housing and Local Government has said that mortgagors receive half as much again as council house tenants? Does not this demonstrate the need for co-ordination between Government Departments?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall make a study of this question. What I am concerned with is that the amount of relief given to council house tenants will be cut to a very small fraction if the Opposition carry out their policy.
§ Mr. MontgomeryWould my right hon. Friend care to comment on the co-ordination between his right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Social Services, who are perfectly prepared to sacrifice him unless he agrees to come to a compromise with the trade unions?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman is capable of believing almost anything. That story is completely without foundation. The hon. Gentleman may believe it, but no one who was present on the alleged occasion does.