asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of season-ticket holders who do not travel more than five or six days a week, he will arrange for a revision of the cost of long-period tickets which will take this fact into account.

I assume that my hon. Friend's Question relates to season tickets on the railways of the British Transport Commission. The matter is one for the Commission, to whom I am sending a copy of the Question.

Is this not a matter of national importance on which a question can properly be asked of the Minister?

the hon. and gallant Gentleman, who was a member of the Committee which considered the Measure, knows very well that it is not the intention, now that the organisation is set up, for the Minister to interfere with its day-to-day operations.

On the contrary, does not the right hon. Gentleman recall that during the Committee stage he gave an undertaking that he was going to be forthcoming on these matters, and that on that understanding he obtained the Clause?

I also recall that Members opposite were very doubtful about the Minister's capacity to do all these things.

Will my right hon. Friend at least make representations to the Transport Commission on the lines I suggest, and use his influence to help?

No, Sir, I do not think that I can exercise my position as Minister to influence the day-to-day management decisions of the Commission. The powers of the Minister are clearly defined in the Statute.

On a point of Order. Is it not possible for you, Mr. Speaker, to protect Members of the House when they are asking for information about nationalised industries—for instance, the B.B.C. and transport, gas and electricity undertakings? It will be a dreadful business if we cannot ask Questions about the administration of the nationalised railways.

That is not a matter which lies within my province in the slightest.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he wig standardise the system of giving concessions for workmen's tickets on the British Railways, to avoid the situation where, in densely populated areas, workmen can mostly enjoy this privilege, whereas in less densely populated areas this privilege often is refused;

(2) if he will raise the age at which children can enjoy the benefit of half fare on the British Railways to the school leaving age which is now 15.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the reason that he cannot make a workable arrangement now that the Government has control of the railways that would enable clerical workers to have the same privileges of cheap travel that are available for artisans, mechanics and labourers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that children of 14 can no longer be wage-earners, he will advise the British Transport Commission to raise the age for half-fares on their trains and road vehicles from 14 to 15.

Such arrangements are matters for the Commission, and I am bringing the hon. Members' Questions to their attention.

Is it not ridiculous to segregate one section of the community and give them a privilege, while cutting off another, who do equally good work for the country, and refusing to give them the same rights?

That may be the case, but, as I have indicated, this is a matter which will now have to be considered by the Commission when they are reframing the whole of their charges, rates and schemes for submission to the Transport Tribunal.

Are not the matters raised in Questions 8 and 9 of major public interest, and does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that the House is to be denied any opportunity of obtaining answers from the responsible Minister?

I do not think it is legitimate to draw that conclusion. Members are aware that under the Control Agreement the fact that the nation paid the whole of the rent of the railways meant that every conceivable Question could be asked. With the passing of the Transport Act the position has been altered. In any case, by 1st January this year the whole situation would have been altered whether the railways were under their original ownership, or under the Transport Commission.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether all these anomalies and difficulties have arisen since 1st January, or whether they existed before that date?

They existed before, but, as I have explained, Members of the House were entitled to put Questions of detail then because the State paid the rent of the railways. Since 1st:January, however, the date of decontrol, it has not been legitimate to put such Questions to the Minister.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise that this matter will be considered by the Commission at an early date?

The hon. Member can use his imagination, but it would not be based very much on fact.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to increase the number of trains on the Central Line to cope with the alarming increase of travellers due to the recent extension of the line.

This is a matter for the British Transport Commission, and I am bringing my hon. Friend's Question to their attention.

Is it proposed to shrug off every Question that is difficult? Has my right hon. Friend ever been on one of the Central Line stations during the peak hour? If so—and this has nothing to do with the Transport Commission—does he not consider that the conditions in which people have to travel to and from work are absolutely disgraceful, and a danger to life, limb, and the nervous systems of those who have to undergo journeys on this line?

My reply was not given to avoid a difficulty. I am not in possession of the information which my hon. Friend needs, but I am satisfied that she will get from the Commission a full explanation of the difficulties and causes of this problem.

I beg to give notice that I will raise the question of the Central Line extensions on the Adjournment, at the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent the cut in capital expenditure will involve the postponement of the electrification of the railway from Finsbury Park to Muswell Hill, when it is expected that this work will be completed and if in the meanwhile he will arrange for a diesel service to Kings Cross and Broad Street.

I am afraid it will involve the further postponement of this scheme. I cannot say for how long. The question of a diesel-service to Kings Cross and Broad Street is a matter for the British Transport Commission, whose attention I am drawing to the hon. Member's Question.

Does the Minister's answer mean that I can hold out no hope to my constituents of a better service than they are getting now, and that they will have to put up with whatever service is given them by the British Transport Commission, in which the majority of them are unwilling shareholders?

I regret the situation, but many capital projects have had to be stopped at the present time.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to draw the Commission's attention to this, will he define the different circumstances in which is is prepared to draw their attention to a matter, to make representations to the Commission about a matter, to refer a question to the Commission about a matter, and to take no action in the matter at all? All of those four courses he has proposed this afternoon.

I would prefer to study the comments of hon. Members at greater length.

asked the Minister of Transport the salary to be paid to the chairman of the Hotels Executive; and the length of his appointment.

The authorised salary for the chairman of the Hotels Executive is £5,000 per annum. The appointment is to 30th September, 1952.

May I ask the Minister on what principle these salaries are fixed? Would the Minister say that the job of the Executive in charge of the roads is no more important than that of the Executive in charge of hotels, or whether the two positions are comparable?

The salaries are the same, and I should say that both positions are worth the money.

Will the Minister say whether any of the ordinary executives are being dismissed in order that this particular gentleman may have the appointment of chairman, or is he just an extra one?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means when he talks about anybody being dismissed. These are appointments under the Transport Act. They certainly take the place of a good many railway directors, it that is what interests the hon. Gentleman.

Will the expenses in this instance be in kind or in cash?

I have already indicated that so far that matter has not been settled. The Executives have only just been appointed.

Will the Minister state whether this gentleman is to be entitled to expenses to facilitate his progress from hotel to hotel?

Can the Minister tell us how expenses can be a matter of negotiation beforehand? How can expenses be anything but a matter of fact?

Obviously the type of duties that different Executives have to perform will be taken into consideration by the British Transport Commission in settling any matter such as expenses.

asked the Minister of Transort for what purpose is the former Great Central Hotel in St. Marylebone now being used; and what accommodation is being provided for railway workers in the building.

I am informed by the British Transport Commission that rooms on the second and third floors of No. 222, Marylebone Road, formerly the Hotel Great Central, are being used as offices by the Railway Executive. No railway workers are accommodated in the building.

Is the Minister aware that owing to the grave housing shortage in St. Marylebone there is very great resentment at this place being used for offices and not for housing accommodation, as it was originally stated it would be?

Steps are being taken already and other premises have been acquired, but it was very desirable—at least, in my view—that these Executives should be sitting in existing requisitioned properties so that other buildings did not have to be requisitioned.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. As this is the last Question to the Minister of Transport today—this is a matter of great principle—can you tell the House with whom the decision rests as to the responsibility or otherwise of the Minister for answering any particular Question?

With the Minister, of course.

On a point of Order. Can you tell us, Mr. Speaker, whether instructions have been given to the Clerks at the Table not to accept Questions on the day to day working of the railways and the Coal Board, or whether it is to be left to the Minister to say whether he will not answer such Questions?.

During the war, the custom was that the Minister indicated to the Table that certain Questions would not be answered. Those Questions, therefore, were not put down. The Ministry of Information, for instance, did not answer Questions on administration during the war.

Are we now to understand, Sir, that the Minister is a dictator, and the decider of the rights of the House of Commons?

Is it not the case that before Christmas my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House made a statement on this whole question, and indicated that it might be considered further, possibly in a Debate, or in a statement by you, Sir?

This is a matter on which I have no authority whatsoever, but I gather that in the near future we may have a Debate upon it, in which case Members will no doubt be able to express their views.

I always understood, Mr. Speaker, that the Clerks at the Table acted on your instructions. The position at the moment is that the Minister is able to instruct the Clerks as to what Questions he is, or is not, prepared to answer. We wish to submit to you, Sir, that Questions should be allowed, and that it should be for the Minister to refuse to answer with the full knowledge of the House that the Question has been asked?

The Minister says to the Clerks at the Table, "I have no responsibility for this; this is a matter of administration by the Board, and I therefore disclaim responsibility." That being so, a Question cannot be put down about it.

Could you not help the House, Sir, in this way? A Question having been permitted, and put down, and the Minister having given a reply, are we entitled to give notice to raise the matter on the Adjournment if we are not satisfied with the reply?

Certainly.

Might there be made available to the House the information which you have just given, Sir, and also the subjects on which the Minister is prepared to answer? The House could then know what Questions the Minister purports to answer.

On a point of explanation: If there is any allegation that I have attempted to give instructions to the Clerks, I deny that. The fact that there are Questions on the Order Paper today which I propose to refer to the Transport Commission makes that position quite clear.

Then I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to nationalise the bus service in the West of Scotland.

I am not in a position to say.

Is the Minister aware that, while he is considering this and is not able to say anything, there was an extensive bus strike in the West of Scotland last week; and is he also aware that the S.M.T. Company have declared a dividend of 55 per cent. free of Income Tax? When are the Government going to carry this matter through to its logical conclusion?

The strike is rather a different question. My hon. Friend should be aware that, under the Transport Act, before the Commission can proceed with the policy of dealing with the whole of the bus problem of Scotland, they must proceed by the process of the area scheme. The Commission have power to acquire particular bus operations by agreement, but I am not in a position to say when it is proposed to nationalise the whole of the bus services of Scotland. My hon. Friend knows the procedure that must be followed.

In view of the Minister's answers, is it intended to keel the Ministry of Transport in being?

That, of course, is a matter for the Government and the House, whenever they are disposed to tackle the problem.

Are we to understand from the Minister that the decision to nationalise the bus service will be left to the Transport Commission and not to him?

The Statute imposing that obligation on the Commission is well defined. Where there is unnecessary delay, the Minister has powers to take the appropriate action. I would remind my hon. Friend that the Commission has only been in operation approximately one month. The task of nationalising the whole of the bus services of Scotland is one upon which, I presume, Scottish opinion will want to have a say from the start.

Will the Minister say to whom the British Transport Commission are answerable for their decisions on this and other matters?

My hon. Friend is just as well aware of the position as I am. The Commission has certain powers that this House has imposed upon it. The Minister has also certain powers, and the questions I have been dealing with today are, in the main, concerned with matters of day-to-day management, which rest fairly and squarely upon the Commission. I am confident that if I were to depart from that position, hon. Members who are criticising me today, would be the first to disagree.

Is not the Commission responsible to the Minister, and, in that way, is not the Minister responsible for answering these Questions?

That is rather a wide argument. We are dealing only with the bus service in the West of Scotland.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in order to improve rural bus services and so enhance rural amenities generally and assist in increasing agricultural production, he will endeavour to secure a more substantial allocation of new buses to services operating in rural areas.

asked the Minister of Transport if it is proposed that the rural areas which are so dependent on road transport should receive their share of the allocation of new buses.

There is a general shortage of new public service vehicles, but I have no reason to believe that rural areas generally are worse off in this respect than elsewhere.

Will my right hon. Friend give some facts to substantiate his incredulity? The services in the rural areas are very bad.

The reply is that there is a general shortage everywhere, and it is not possible, at the present time, to make up the deficiencies. The services are no worse in the rural areas generally, owing to the shortage, than during the war. I am quite aware that there are certain rural areas which have always had an insufficient service, but that is not aggravated at the moment by the general shortage of buses.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the rural areas must be worse off than the urban areas because many of them have no buses at all, and no transport of any kind? All I am asking is whether, under the new allocation of 4,000 buses by L.P.T., as advertised, the rural areas will get some of that allocation, and a better allocation than the urban areas because they are worse off?

My reply did not dispute that the rural areas generally are in a worse position than the urban areas. I stated that that shortage could not be made up out of the present limited production of vehicles.

On what basis is the allocation divided between town and country?

I could not answer that in reply to a supplementary question, but I shall be delighted to give my hon. Friend further information on a rather complex and difficult situation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is prepared to give priority to the scattered districts in regard to buses?

No.

Will the Minister consider whether the position could not be helped from the production point of view? Will he take into account that the big buses cannot run on many of the rural roads, and that this difficulty might be overcome by supplementing the number of smaller buses, so that they could feed the bigger ones?

I doubt whether that would ease the present difficulty. It might be desirable to produce more double-deck buses, in view of the limited number which we have for public service.

Is not the Minister aware that doing away with the basic petrol ration has affected the load on rural bus services to a far greater degree than it has in the urban areas? In view of that, will he reconsider the question of giving direct priority to rural bus services in the supply of buses?

I am, of course, aware that the removal of the basic petrol ration has increased the strain on transport generally. I would not wish to place myself in the position of indicating where the strain is most acute.

asked the Minister of Transport what saving in the petrol issued to C licence holders has been made since 1st October, 1947.

Statistics of fuel issues to "C" vehicles are not kept separately. It is estimated that since the 1st of October the net saving on the petrol issued to A, B and C vehicles is about 5 per cent, which is equivalent to a saving at the rate of about 100,000 tons a year.

Can the Minister give an assurance that these applications are gone into as carefully and thoroughly as are applications for supplementary allowances by officers of the Ministry of Fuel and Power?

I always consider that the officers of my Department are just a shade better than those of any other Department.

Would the right hon. Gentleman translate 100,000 tons into dollars?

asked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated yearly cost of sending out reminders for renewal to holders of driving licences.

The annual cost of this service to the public is charged as part of the cost of collection of motor vehicle duties, etc., and is not available as a separate item.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the object of the large number of posters displayed by his Department in many parts of the country saying "Get Home Safe and Sound"; what has been the cost to the taxpayers involved in this particular poster campaign; and whether he is satisfied that the posters have achieved the desired effect.

The posters to which the hon. Member refers are part of the national road safety propaganda campaign and have cost about £50,000. I think that the campaign is having a good effect.

Generally we all want to get home safe and sound in any case, and is not this a very good example of quite unnecessary waste of the taxpayers' money and of paper?

As to the point raised by the first part of the question, 125,000 people were killed or injured on the roads between April and November, 1947. As far as paper is concerned, if that is what the hon. and gallant Member is after, he should go and talk to the Conservative Central Office about some of their rather vapid posters which are disfiguring the hoardings.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how he reasons that persons who will not pay attention to oncoming traffic will read posters?

I prefer in this case to rely on statistics, and when a campaign was not being run nine years ago the number of killed and injured on the roads for the same period was 40,000 more.

asked the Minister of Transport why, by order of the Regional Commissioner, workers' priority tickets have been cancelled on all bus services run by the East Kent Road Car Company in the Isle of Thanet; and whether he is aware that this will cause great difficulty to them, especially in the summer months.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. Baker White) on 22nd January. After hearing representations at a public sitting on 27th January, the licensing authority for public service vehicles confirmed the decision.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the number of men now employed in Great Britain in putting stone or concrete kerbs along country roads which never had any kerbing before.

The information requested by the hon. Member is not available.

is the Minister aware that we are hearing everywhere of the abnormal need of labour, and why is there any reason now to put kerbs on roads which have not had them for a thousand years?

The hon. Gentleman is aware of the importance of this in the general scheme of road improvements, but, of course, with the cutting down of the road improvement programme this work is steadily coming to an end.

Have we not heard that other works have to be stopped now on account of the cuts in capital expenditure, and if that is so, why waste money on things that were not needed before?

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the cut in the capital expenditure on roads is probably one of the heaviest of the items so far considered.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that London tramcars are not fitted with windscreen wipers; and if he will consider whether mechanical aids of this description should be provided, so as to give the drivers clearer vision during wet weather.

Yes, Sir, I am aware of this. I am bringing the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the British Transport Commission.

asked the Minister of Transport why cats-eye road studs are in future to be banned from the roadways in built-up areas.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 26th January to the hon. Member for Royton (Mr. Sutcliffe).

Is my right hon. Friend aware that an appreciable number of road accidents are due to the inability of motorists to see the crown of the road owing to the very bad lighting that exists in some built-up areas, and will he use every possible means at his disposal to decrease the number of road accidents?

The evidence is that the accidents are not caused by the absence of cats-eyes in the urban areas. I am a very great believer in them generally, bait where there is a proper standard of lighting they are not so necessary, and in the urban areas, where the traffic is very heavy in times of fog, the motorist can add to the number of accidents by being attracted to the crown of the road. I want my hon. Friend to accept the reply in the spirit I have indicated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that with the possible cuts in fuel for lighting and the incidence of fog these cats-eyes ought not to be removed at the present time? Will he make representations to the county councils to try to avoid their removal?

I am making it plain that they are only being removed in the urban areas where the lighting is of reasonable standards.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that cats-eyes encourage motorists to put up their headlights, and that that increases the danger to other motorists and also to the general public?

Particularly so in the urban areas, where headlights are not so necessary.

Is not the Minister aware that in times of fog overhead street lights are not very effective and that these cats-eyes are very much more useful at that time and prevent accidents?

The hon. Gentleman is proving my point, that they attract traffic to the crown of the road in heavy traffic areas.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will name the undertakings on which notices of acquisition have been served in accordance with Part III of the Transport Act, 1947; and the amount of compensation payable in each case.

So far no notices of acquisition have been served under Part III of the Transport Act, 1947.

Will the Minister state whether any negotiations are going on at the present time with road haulage concerns for their acquisition; if so, will this House be informed of the terms of agreement, if reached; and will the Minister have to approve the terms of compensation or refer them to the Arbitration Tribunal?

Certain negotiations are proceeding with regard to the acquisition of property by agreement. I am not under the obligation to submit the terms in any particular deal to the House. They are generally governed by the procedure of compensation under the Bill. The Commission will no doubt take that into consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what course ought to be adopted by small road hauliers who want to be acquired?

It is up to the small road hauliers, as in the case of large hauliers, to approach the Commission if they would like to settle their fate by agreement.

Will the terms of agreement be submitted to the Arbitration Tribunal before they are accepted?

No, Sir, certainly not. If the concerns are acquired by agreement, there is no need to avail ourselves of the services of the Arbitration Tribunal.

asked the Minister of Transport the salaries to be paid to the chairman, full-time and part-time members of the Roads Executive, respectively; and the duration of their appointments.

The authorised salaries for the chairman, full-time members and part-time members of the Road Transport Executive are £5,000, £3,500 and £750 per annum respectively. The present term of office of the chairman and the other full-time members will expire on 30th September, 1952, and of the part-time members on 30th September, 1950.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if any expenses are payable to these gentlemen in addition to their salaries?

The procedure generally is to agree upon an aggregate sum for expenses to cover all the members of any particular Executive.

Is there no saving clause in the agreement to say that the appointment shall come to an end before 1952 if the Roads Executive comes to an end before 1952?

How much will those expenses be?

I cannot say at the moment. They are to be negotiated with the various Executives.

Negotiated?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received the Report of the Committee on Ferry Services in Great Britain.

Yes, Sir. I am considering the question of its publication. Meanwhile, I am placing a copy in the Library of the House.

In view of the importance of this service to the economic and social life of Scotland will my right hon. Friend give it his urgent consideration?

Certainly.

Will the Minister consider referring this Report to the British Transport Commission?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the shortage of tanks required to hold vapourising paraffin for new tractors; and whether he will ensure that sufficient steel is allocated to enable such tanks to be supplied.

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture about the demand for these tanks and will write to the hon. Member later.

asked the Minister of Supply if he will define his responsibility for Peplow Air Station, Shropshire.

I have no responsibility for this station.

If the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry does not own the huts, who does?

The Transport Commission.

My Ministry certainly does not. I understand that the hon. Gentleman has a Question down to the Air Ministry on this matter.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that garden forks and spades are virtually unobtainable in the shops of West Sussex; and what steps he is taking to enable allotment holders and gardeners to prepare their ground for food production.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that manure forks are practically unobtainable in Devonshire; and what steps he has taken to make these forks available.

There has been some difficulty in obtaining these tools, but arrangements have now been made with the trade to increase the total supplies available. If, on investigation, it is found that there is a special shortage in West Sussex and Devon, we will ask the trade to send further supplies there.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an acute shortage in West Sussex, and will he state whether this is the result of the Government giving the highest priority to agriculture products?

I was not aware that there was a shortage in West Sussex, but I am investigating it immediately.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman answer Question No. 72 on the Paper at the same time?

asked the Minister of Supply to state the circumstances which necessitated the issue of a notice to all members of the staff of the Chief Inspectorate Electrical and Mechanical Department, Walsingham, Chislehurst, and signed by Mr. F. H. Maclennan on the 14th January; how much Government time and labour have been lost to date and what is the estimated loss to the taxpayer.

The notice was issued because of the discovery that a certain amount of private work had been carried out at "Foxbury," Chislehurst. The time spent on the work was about 90 hours, and the estimated loss in labour and material was £13.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this notice, a copy of which I hold in my hand, was issued to the members of the staff because of my previous representations? Is he aware that the proceedings of this case are a local scandal and a typical instance of waste of time and public money?

No, Sir.

Well, the right hon. Gentleman ought to be.

asked the Minister of Supply how many men and how many women are now being employed at the R.A.O.C. depot, Melmerby; what is the weekly cost of keeping the depot open; and what amount of traffic is dealt with per week through the private railway siding.

Thirty-seven men and six women are employed at the Depot, which costs £233 a week to run. The amount of traffic' received and despatched averages 90 tons a week.

Will the Minister look into this and see whether the time has come when the great waste of manpower and womanpower, as well as of public money, involved at this Depot should be discontinued?

I have looked into this and, in view of the special nature of this case, I am satisfied that the manpower involved is really necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that there will be a diminution of the practice of Ministers of the Crown holding news conferences and making public announcements through the Press and other quarters; and more opportunity afforded for the pronouncements to be made to the House of Commons in accordance with the customary Parliamentary practice.

Both methods of public announcement are appropriate according to the circumstances and to the nature of the statement, and the Government must reserve a reasonable measure of discretion as to which method is employed. The House may be assured, however, that the Government have every wish and intention to recognise to the full their constitutional responsibilities to the House of Commons, and on all appropriate occasions, statements will be made in this House.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is no reflection of any sort on our faithful and energetic Press, and can he give a specific assurance that what took place just before the House reassembled—a broadcast by the Minister of Fuel and Power on basic petrol—will not be repeated in view of the importance of this matter and of the fact that this House was being by-passed?

I would like to have any specific point brought to my notice.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to make his promised statement on the creation of the office of Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

My right hone Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in addition to his traditional responsibility for financial policy, is now responsible also for those functions with which lie was previously charged as Minister for Economic Affairs in the general co-ordination of the economic policy of the Government. He is assisted by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in his normal departmental functions connected with financial policy, administration and procedure, including Parliamentary financial procedure, financial control of Supply services and establishments, and revenue and exchange control administration.

In his new functions the Chancellor is assisted by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, who is thus concerned with the general economic policy and planning, including the economic aspects of Treasury supply work, overseas financial negotiations and internal financial planning. Both the Financial Secretary and the Economic Secretary, therefore, play a part, under the Chancellor, in the formation of general financial and taxation policy.

The Central Planning Staff under Sir Edwin Plowden, and the staff of the former office of the Minister for Economic Affairs, retain their identity, but now form part of the Treasury organisation, and discharge their general co-ordinating functions under the direction of the Chancellor. They maintain close touch with the Economic Section of the Cabinet Office which, however, will remain part of the Cabinet Office and will continue to provide a service for Ministers generally.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer continues to be responsible, as he was when Minister for Economic Affairs, for the National Production Advisory Council on Industry, and the regional boards for industry.

The Economic Information Unit retains its previous title and functions but is now incorporated in the Treasury and, like the planning staff, provides its interdepartmental services under the Chancellor's direction. In addition to providing a general economic information service, it now provides information on financial subjects previously dealt with by the Treasury public relations officer. This title has been abolished. Its holder will, however, continue to provide information do Civil Service subjects as a member of the Treasury General Establishments Division, and will work in close conjunction with the Economic Information Unit.

While thanking the Prime Minister for the fullness of his answer, may I ask whether he can give an assurance that, as a result of the creation of the office mentioned in the Question, there is no conflict with the decision taken in 1944 to separate the Foreign Service from the rest of the Civil Service, with particular reference to the Economic Section of the Foreign Office?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman will see, if he studies my answer, that the Foreign Office does not come into it at all.

Is the statement which we have just heard from my right hon. Friend the statement which he promised to make in reply to a Question by me on 15th December last about the general economic planning arrangements of the Government?

It is in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely (Major Legge-Bourke).

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the excessive burden of work now imposed on Parliament, resulting increasingly in the delegation of powers to outside unrepresentative persons and bodies, if he will take immediate steps to devolve upon the people of Wales such powers as shall permit them the control and management of their own domestic affairs, and to establish the necessary machinery for that purpose.

No, Sir. The Government are satisfied that the special problems of the Welsh people can best be dealt with within the existing Parliamentary framework.

I would ask the Prime Minister most seriously whether he does not realise that the reply which he has just given will be regarded as a calculated affront by the Welsh people?

I am sure that my hon. Friend underestimates the understanding of the Welsh people of the problems involved in devolution.