Mr. De la Bère:

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now make a statement regarding the closing down and liquidation of redundant Ministries and Departments, in view of the cessation of the European war.

The first steps to this end have now been taken and three Ministries—Economic Warfare, Home Security and Production—are either being wound up or swallowed up. Further action in the same direction—and I hope on a larger scale—will follow as soon as possible.

Mr. De la Bère:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I shall spare him my supplementary question in view of his magnificent broadcast yesterday?

Will the right hon. Gentleman in future consider the possibility, when he liquidates the Ministry, of liquidating the Minister as well?

The net reduction of Ministers must be continued.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making suitably public the fact that his broadcast has at any rate pleased the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère)?

I hope I may also make public that it has displeased the hon. and learned Member for North Hammersmith (Mr. Pritt).

Would the right hon. Gentleman also accept the assurance of myself and many hon. Members on this side that we think it is worth 50 seats to us?