§ 45. Mr. LEACHasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to ensure that no person representing any political party in the State shall be 2008 eligible for Cabinet or other Ministerial office unless such party represents at least 1 per cent. of the total electorate in the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)No, Sir.
§ Mr. LEACHDoes not the Prime Minister realise that if legislation of this character were in operation just now he would have to call upon two of his Cabinet Ministers to resign at once, and that four others would be in serious jeopardy?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think the hon. Member has made a miscalculation. He would have to double the figure—nearly—in his question before the effect he desires would be achieved.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs my right hon. Friend aware that to do this might deprive the Government in the distant future of the very valuable services of the Clyde and the Communist groups?
§ Mr. MAXTONWe will look after that.
§ 47. Mr. KELLYasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider combining the offices of Secretary of State for the Colonies and Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in this House by one Minister?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir. I am satisfied that the responsibilities attaching to these two offices and the diverse nature of their problems make it essential that each should continue to be entrusted to a separate Secretary of State.
§ Mr. KELLYAlthough in the past that has been done, would it not be of advantage to make the experiment again, and so economise not only in money but in energy?