HC Deb 04 December 1941 vol 376 cc1249-50
46. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to state the reason for the inclusion of the name of the Minister of State in the War Cabinet in official publications, in view of the fact that the name of Lord Halifax is not so included?

Mr. Attlee

I must apologise to my hon. Friend and to the House for having given an inaccurate answer to the Supplementary Question last week. As was stated publicly at the time of his appointment, the Minister of State is a member of the War Cabinet, which he represents in the Middle East. Lord Halifax is an Ambassador serving abroad under the Foreign Office, and resumes his responsibilities as a member of the War Cabinet only when he returns to this country for consultation from time to time.

Mr. Mander

Does Lord Halifax cease to exercise Ambassadorial functions when he reaches British soil?

Mr. Attlee

I would like notice of that Question.

Mr. Neil Maclean

Is a précis of Cabinet discussions supplied to Lord Halifax when he is in America?

Mr. Attlee

My right hon. Friend is kept informed of all that is necessary.

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