HC Deb 05 December 1935 vol 307 cc292-3
48. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Prime Minister to which Minister questions intended for the Lord President of the Council should be addressed?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should be glad if hon. Members will address Questions intended for the Lord President of the Council to me.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is not this a case of dualism?

Mr. THURTLE

Does not the Prime Minister think that the most satisfactory and most democratic way of solving this difficulty would be to appoint a new Lord President?

50. Mr. KENNEDY

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to fix a time limit within which Ministers without seats in this House or another place and without public trust may hold their present appointments without seats in Parliament?

52. Mr. LEACH

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet seen his way to make the necessary arrangements to enable the Lord President of the Council and the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to attend the sittings of the House; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

No such time limit could be imposed without legislation, which the Government do not propose to bring before the House. As regards the Question by the hon. Member for Bradford Central (Mr. Leach), I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

Mr. KENNEDY

Is not the Prime Minister aware that there is a widespread feeling in the country, shared, I believe, on both sides of this House, that the Ministerial appointments referred to in these Questions contain a certain element of party jobbery?