HC Deb 25 July 1933 vol 280 cc2407-8
47. Mr. MANDER

asked the Prime Minister on what occasions since the present Government took office civil servants have been left in charge of Government Departments during the absence of a Minister for any length of time

Mr. BALDWIN

In all cases of Ministerial absences of any length of time, arrangements are made for matters requiring a Ministerial decision to be referred to some other Minister or Ministers.

Mr. MANDER

Will my right hon. Friend say why Sir Robert Vansittart, a permanent civil servant, has been placed in charge of the Foreign Office, and whether the very competent Under-Secretary of State should not be in charge of it? Who is the Minister responsible for the Foreign Office while the Foreign Secretary is away?

Mr. BALDWIN

The Prime Minister or myself.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this rather reprehensible habit was, in all probability, started by Mr. Gladstone in 1880 something?