asked the Prime Minister if he will now state when he hopes to close down the Ministries of Food and Agriculture.

As I have several times stated, I am not yet prepared to make a final statement about the future of the Ministry of Food. I know of no intention and I certainly cherish no hope of closing down the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

As the two Ministries no longer serve any useful purpose—

Since when?

—will my right hon. Friend, in the interests of national economy, close them both down as soon as possible?

I really doubt very much whether my hon. Friend carries the whole House with him in that suggestion.