§ 50. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether any Minister in the House of Commons is in a position to answer questions concerning matters under the jurisdiction of the Lord President of the Council; and, if so, who that Minister is?
§ The PRIME MINISTERQuestions affecting the Privy Council are answered, in this House, at the request of the Lord President of the Council, by the Member of the Government whom he deems appropriate having regard to the subject matter of the question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWho will that Minister be when we ask questions about the Privy Council?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI just gave the answer. It would be for the Lord President to place the question on the Member of the Government whom he deemed the most suitable. I do not know whom he may choose.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right (hon. Gentleman aware that last week when we questioned the Minister of Health about the powers of the Council he said he had no jurisdiction under the law at present, and could not some Minister be delegated to deal with this aspect of the Lord President's duties?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf a question is put down I will see that it is answered.
Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it is really proper or respectful to the House that the business of the House should be interfered with even by so distinguished a man as the Lord President?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think the business is being interfered with. By the constitution of that office it would be impossible to have the Lord 34 President in this House, much as I should, enjoy having him here.