HC Deb 04 November 1930 vol 244 cc660-1
46. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister what are the present duties of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

The PRIME MINISTER

The duties of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster are to control the management of the Duchy Estates and Revenues and also, with the County Palatine of Lancaster, to appoint justices of the peace and county court judges and to direct the administration of the estates of persons dying intestate and without kin and to perform various duties which in other counties devolve upon the Lord Chancellor and the Home Secretary. At the present time the Chancellor is also engaged on special work in connection with various Departments, and with the Imperial Conference.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can my right hon. Friend say if there has been any change in the duties since my hon. Friend the Member for Smethwick (Sir O. Mosley) resigned the post? Does the present Chancellor perform different duties now?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has always been used for miscellaneous, pressing duties, and in that respect there has been no change.

Sir K. WOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the present Chancellor is drawing up any memoranda on the unemployment question?