§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Chancellor whether he has seen a circular letter from the National Health 1678W Commission stating that certain action had been taken by them in accordance with instructions received from him; whether it is to be understood that the Commissioners are in the position of ordinary Government Departments acting under the instructions of a Minister who takes responsibility to Parliament for all their actions and decisions; and whether the Commission have therefore, before taking any important decision or action, to ascertain, and then to carry out, the views of the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Secretary to the Treasury as the responsible Minister, and are not free to form and to act upon their own views as a Commission?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The position as regards Parliamentary responsibility for matter of administration is as stated in the latter part of the question.