§ 45. Sir K. WOODasked the Prime Minister whether he can state in detail the duties of the Lord Privy Seal in relation to unemployment, apart from the membership of the Committee of Ministers dealing with this question?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)Apart from the duties attaching to membership of the Special Committee of Ministers the Lord Privy Seal has no specific duties relating to unemployment though, as a member of that 1953 committee, free from Departmental preoccupations, he will be in a position to devote his whole time to the committee's heavy work.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWill he answer questions on unemployment in this House?
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the departmental organisation established by the Lord Privy Seal continues in existence?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, that organisation does not continue in existence. As I stated in the House, the responsibility has gone back into the various Departments, the work of which is now being co-ordinated.
§ Sir K. WOODHas not the First Commissioner of Works any duties in connection with it?
§ Mr. BECKETTWhich Minister is responsible for co-ordinating the work?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Lord Privy Seal has the matter in hand as a member of the committee of Ministers.
§ Mr. WISEAre we to address general questions on unemployment to the Prime Minister, or the Lord Privy Seal, or to whom?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think the best thing will be for hon. Members to go on just as they have done. Whenever any doubt arises as to who should answer a specific question, it is always referred to me, and I will do my best to meet the convenience of the House.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKDoes the new Lord Privy Seal receive the same salary as his predecessor for less work?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHe does not.