§ 14. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the appointment of the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin as Assistant Foreign Secretary is accompanied by any increase or advancement in his status, salary, or authority; whether the Assistant Foreign Secretary will now become the final authority in any matters which were previously controlled by the Secretary of State; and whether those specific acts which required the personal authority or action of a Secretary of State can now be performed by the Assistant Secretary of State?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except as regards salary. With regard to the second part 1435 of the question, the answer is also in the affirmative, subject to my general supervision. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. KINGHas the constitutional or legal position of the Under-Secretary been under the notice of the Law Officers of the Crown?
§ Mr. BALFOURNo; though I believe the legal aspect of this change was very carefully considered.