§ 48. Mr. TINKERasked the Prime Minister whether he intends to continue the present arrangement by which two of the Cabinet Ministers representing Defence Forces (the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for Air) do not sit in the House of Commons?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not contemplating any change at present.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the Prime Minister aware that by having two of the three Defence Cabinet Ministers in the House of Lords he is, by implication, putting the House of Commons in an inferior posi- 603 tion? Will he not consider it from that aspect, because, after all, we are the voice of the people?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can never recognise any inferiority complex on the part of the House of Commons. I am quite aware that it is preferable to have a rather larger representation in this House, but it is not always feasible to do what one desires.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the importance of having the heads of the chief spending Departments here?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI appreciate it as much as my right hon. Friend.