asked the Taoiseach if he will state how many meetings of the sub-committee of the Cabinet, dealing with post-war conditions, have been held; if the sub-committee have decided on any definite programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cabinet Sub-Committee Meetings.
I have already replied to a number of questions in regard to the work of the Cabinet Committee set up in November, 1942. The function of the committee, as I have previously explained, is to keep under observation the progress made by Departments in formulating proposals for post-war activities and to make suggestions as to steps which might be taken to expedite planning and the carrying out of preparatory work in existing conditions. I have also pointed out that the primary responsibility for the preparation of plans rests on the Departments concerned under instructions from the Government.
The committee has held 45 meetings to date. As to whether it has decided on any definite programme: I have already said that it has had before it and has approved in principle quite a number of programmes including, for example, some relating to agriculture, afforestation, fisheries, housing and other constructional works, transport and communications and general industrial development. Details of certain of these projects such as rural electrification, arterial drainage, and transport, have already been made public and other plans will be published from time to time according as they reach the appropriate stage.
As the Deputy knows, a separate branch was established in the Department of Industry and Commerce at the end of 1943 for the purpose of ensuring the execution, on a basis planned in consultation with the various interests concerned, of all building activities in the post-war years. This branch is about to publish a White Paper setting out details of the measures which it is proposed to take to secure this end.
I should like to emphasise again that plans prepared now can only be given effect to gradually in the post-war period according as the supply position improves, and that for some time a system of priorities will have to be operated. This aspect of the matter will be dealt with in some detail in so far as the building programme is concerned in the proposed White Paper.
Will the Taoiseach, or the Government, consider the question of publishing White Papers in connection with major schemes, such as the electrification scheme, where there was a certain amount of publicity before the matter was brought to the attention of this House?
Well, that is a somewhat different matter, but I think that this will be brought before the attention of the public, through the Dáil and in other ways.
Question No. 2. As Deputy Byrne is not present, the answer to his question will appear, as a Written Answer, in the Official Report.