HC Deb 07 June 1935 vol 302 cc2186-7
10. Mr. TINKER

asked the Prime Minister, whether he is prepared to establish it as a general principle for the future that appointments to the Cabinet should be announced to the House of Commons before they are published in the press.

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

My own view is that it is desirable that such appointments when approved by His Majesty should be made public as soon as possible.

Mr. TINKER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I raised the question of the general principle to be recognised, and I am asking that Parliament should know first? If, for instance, this change had been announced to-day, we should have had a full House, whereas actually there are empty benches.

The PRIME MINISTER

There has been no communication Made about new Ministers or new combinations from the Government to any newspaper whatever.

Mr. THORNE

Then how did they get hold of the news?