HC Deb 14 February 1924 vol 169 cc1010-1
Mr. RONALD McNEILL

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether it was with his approval that the name of the Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs was mentioned by a member of the Cabinet in another place and his authority quoted in regard to negotiations with a foreign Power whether there is any precedent for attributing responsibility to permanent officials in the Civil Service, and whether he can give an assurance that this unconstitutional practice will be discontinued?

Mr. PONSONBY

The Lord President of the Council was quoting from a document which had been furnished to him by the Foreign Office for the purpose of meeting points raised in the Debate in the House of Lords. Lord Parmoor did not consult the Prime Minister in advance as to the propriety of referring to the Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign Office, but the Prime Minister has no doubt that, Lord Parmoor's attention having been called to the constitutional practice in this matter, referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, he will bear it in mind in future. The Prime Minister has received a letter from Lord Parmoor expressing regret at this inadvertence.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Does not that answer show the mistake of the Labour party in bringing Tories into the Government?