§ 42. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether he can now see his way to be more constantly in attendance in the House at question time, in accordance with constitutional practice?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy right hon. Friend regrets that it is not possible for him to give daily attendance in the House at Question time. Perhaps I may be permitted to add that the majority of questions addressed to the Prime Minister are Departmental questions which, in accordance with constitutional practice, should be put to Ministers in charge of Departments. Only a small proportion of the questions put to the Prime Minister are of the kind formerly answered by the Prime Minister or Leader of the House.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the failure of the Prime Minister to turn up at Question Time is partly responsible for the state of the Coalition Government?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman was present when I explained the reason for the Prime Minister's absence. If he knew it, I am sure he would not have put that question.