§ 45. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to bring about a reduction both in the size and cost of the Cabinet, he will consider a combination of more than one portfolio by individual Ministers?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I do not think that my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is practicable.
§ Commander BELLAIRSHas the Prime Minister taken into consideration Mussolini's successful combination of no less than eight portfolios in his Ministry?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf the Prime Minister cannot accept the 1122 suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs), will he change the whole of the portfolios?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNMay I ask the Prime Minister whether there is at present a Cabinet vacancy at the Exchequer?
§ Mr. STEPHENMay I ask the Prime Minister whether the Ministries which he said formerly were to be abolished are going to be abolished—the Ministry of Mines Department and the others?
§ Mr. THURTLEIn connection with other suggestions, will the Prime Minister also consider the suggestion to take a white flag as the symbol for the Cabinet?
§ Mr. STEPHENMay I not have an answer to my question as to the Mines Department and the other Ministries which the Prime Minister indicated were to be abolished?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Secretary for Mines is not in the Cabinet.