HC Deb 25 July 1935 vol 304 cc2005-6
45. Mr. MANDER

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements have now been made for hon. Members to put questions on the Order Paper to be answered by the Minister for League of Nations Affairs on matters connected with his Department?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

In view of the need for unity in the direction of foreign policy, all questions should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. But arrangements have been made whereby in the normal course the Secretary of State will reply to questions on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the Minister for League of Nations Affairs on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand from that reply that on Tuesdays and Thursdays questions may be put down to the Minister for League of Nations affairs?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think the answer is quite clear.

Mr. MANDER

In view of the fact that there is a point of principle involved, may I ask whether this means that a Member of the Cabinet who has definite duties allocated to him cannot be questioned by any Member in this House, and is that not a departure from precedent?

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