§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister what arrangement he proposes to make with regard to the answering of Foreign Office Questions in view of the fact that the new Foreign Secretary is not a Member of this House?
§ The Prime MinisterI propose myself to deal with all important aspects of foreign affairs which are the subject of debate or 748 question. As I informed the House on Thursday, I think the best arrangement will be for Foreign Office Questions to be addressed to me as Prime Minister, and that they should be placed in the positions occupied by the Foreign Office in the order of Questions. I think the House will appreciate the necessity of keeping these Questions entirely separate from other Questions which are addressed to me and which occupy their own position in the order of Questions. I have consulted Mr. Speaker, and arrangements have been made to make this distinction in the notices of Questions. As the House is aware, the Foreign Office Question days are Mondays and Wednesdays, when that Department occupies second and first place, respectively. As I have already stated, I propose myself to answer all Questions of major importance, and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary will answer other Questions. I venture to hope that this arrangement will meet the general convenience of the House.