§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Prime Minister, whether, in view of the necessity of placing the work and duties of the mercantile marine in a position of front rank importance, he will consider appointing a Minister to take charge of a special new department responsible to the House for all matters connected with the mercantile marine service and duties appertaining thereto?
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 23rd February to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward).