HC Deb 26 April 1883 vol 278 cc1165-6
MR. DUCKHAM

I wish to ask the Prime Minister whether he will communicate to the House what measures have been taken, if any, for carrying out the engagement entered into by the Government with regard to the appointment of a Minister of Agriculture?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, the engagement we entered into was to make improved and, as we hope, efficient arrangements for the special and separate consideration of agricultural interests and affairs, and we have given effect to it in this way. An Order of Council has been sanctioned by Her Majesty, which will be presented, I believe, to-morrow; and when presented my hon. Friend and all other Members will have an opportunity of forming an opinion upon it. The general effect of the Order is to direct that certain Members of the Privy Council—being Members, of course, of the Government—be appointed a Committee of Council for the consideration of all matters relating to agriculture; and, in the words of the Order, these matters— Are to be and are hereby ordered to be referred to the said Committee, to consider the same, and report thereon to Her Majesty. The head of that Committee will be the Lord President of the Council; and, in his absence, it is directed that all proceedings of the Committee shall be presided over by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

MR. MONK

May I ask whether there will be any Order in Council with regard to a Minister of Commerce?

MR. R. H. PAGET

asked if it was intended that the new Committee should have an office and a staff for obtaining and recording the information, and collecting agricultural statistics?

MR. GLADSTONE

Undoubtedly, Sir, we shall now proceed to consider whether a separate office will be required for the purpose, or whether the building of the Privy Council Office is sufficient. It is a question which I could not answer on the spur of the moment; but unquestionably sufficient means must be provided for dealing with the business relating to agriculture that will come before this Committee. In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Mr. Monk), I have to say that the President of the Board of Trade is, to all intents and purposes, a Minister of Commerce. The only question for consideration—a not unimportant one, I admit—is that of the division of business between the Board of Trade and the Foreign Office with respect to communications and negotiations with foreign countries; but with regard to that I do not think that any dissatisfaction will exist. But that is a separate point, which may be decided without prejudice to the public interest. I may add that more than 40 years ago, when I was at the Board of Trade, the management of all these questions was in the hands of the Board of Trade; and it might, perhaps, be thought expedient in the public interest if it were so again.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Is it intended to present any Estimate for the purpose of carrying this arrangement into effect?

MR. GLADSTONE

Certainly, Sir; that will be requisite. I think it is desirable that the House should have an opportunity of considering the matter. Although we have been studious to incur no unnecessary expense, some changes in the existing Estimates will be necessary, and possibly some minute and insignificant addition; but that will amply suffice for the purpose of bringing the matter before the House.