§ 45. Sir R. THOMASasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the creation of a Secretaryship of State for Wales; and, if not, will he explain his reasons?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the—negative. The reasons against such a course would seem to be more suited for debate than for a reply to a Parliamentary question.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it fair to perpetuate this invidious distinction between Scotland and Wales?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI rely upon the hon. Member to protect me from my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs), who is going to ask the next question.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the Prime Minister aware that Scotland does not want a Secretary of State, but wants a Government of her own?
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, unless this question is really favourably considered, there will be an overpowering demand in Wales for Home Rule?
§ 46. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that up to 1855 there were only three Secretaries of State whereas now there are seven; and whether a reduction of the number can now be effected?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that there were only three Secretaries of State in 1855; there were, in fact, four at that time. I am not prepared to recommend to the House any reduction in the present number.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not the case that a fourth was created in 1855, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the First Lord of the Admiralty is not a Secretary of State, so why should the heads of the War Office and the Air Department be Secretaries of State?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is another question. If the fourth Secretariat was established in 1855, it was in existence in 1855.
§ Commander BELLAIRSMay I put the question the other way? May I take it that there will be no increase to satisfy the legitimate ambitions of various people, and that we shall not have a Secretariat State created for the Isle of Man?
§ Mr. MAXTONSince the right hon. Gentleman refuses to interfere with the quantity of Secretaries of State, will he give some consideration to the quality?