§ 49. Mr. NORMAN CRAIGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that confusion as to the intentions of the Government in regard to future legislation and as to the attitude of the Government in domestic and foreign affairs has been occasioned through the expression by Ministers of views personal to themselves and not shared by the Government as a whole; whether the expression of personal views in such circumstances by Ministers is in accordance with constitutional precedent; and whether he will take steps to avoid similar confusion being created in the future?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of the existence of any such confusion aft is suggested, and I see no necessity for taking any action in the matter.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it is in accordance with all constitutional practice-for all Members of the Government to speak with one voice?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid I must ask the Noble Lord to consult the pages of history, and he will find that that is not at all a proposition that can be sustained.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYIs it not the practice of Ministers who express an opinion contrary to that of the Government of the day to resign?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe rule is perfectly clear. It is not competent for Members of the Government to express any opinion in the way of hostility to or criticism of the declared policy of the Government, but in regard to matters which do not form part of the declared policy of the Government it has always been the practice to allow large latitude or liberty, and I think possibly this has been taken advantage of more parsimoniously by the present Ministry than: by their predecessors.