Veterans

Mr. Fraser
To ask the Prime Minister if she will create a veterans' Department.

The Prime Minister
No. The Government and everyone in this country recognise the immense debt of gratitude owed to war veterans and other ex-Service personnel. It is essential that departments deal with their affairs efficiently. However, although it might seem convenient to have a separate Department of veterans' affairs, I do not believe that this would result in better service and it could have the effect of confusing responsibilities which at present fall clearly on each departmental Minister.