§ Q11. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Prime Minister how responsibility for answering Questions on the establishment of an aluminium smelting industry in this country is divided between the Ministers 179W concerned; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to my Answer to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) on 15th February. But in order that the House can be quite clear on the respective Departmental responsibilities I will, with permission, circulate a fuller statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.—[Vol. 758, c. 1574–5.]
The following is the information:
Questions relating to the aluminium industry are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, as are Questions on assistance under the Industrial Development Act, including building grants and on the issue of industrial development certificates.
Questions relating to the supply of fuels would be for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power except in the case of supply of electricity in Scotland which would be for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Questions relating to the rôle of the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation and matters of general economic and overall regional policy would be for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.
Questions relating to economic planning in Scotland and Wales would be for my right hon. Friends the respective Secretaries of State.
Questions relating to exchange control, or to a Government loan would be for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.