§ 47. Sir H. Williamsasked the Prime Minister what Minister in this House will answer Questions addressed to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he is abroad?
§ Mr. AttleeIn the absence of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, such Questions will be answered in the future, as they have been in the past, by the Attorney-General.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill the Attorney-General answer Questions in respect of duties performed overseas by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?
§ Mr. AttleeIt depends upon the nature of the Question. If it was one relating to the general high policy of the Government, it would have to be put to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Sir H. WilliamsSupposing it is a Question to be put down with reference to something that the Chancellor of the Duchy is doing overseas, to whom must it be addressed?
§ Mr. AttleeI have already replied to the hon. Member on that point. If the hon. Member is ingenious enough to put a Question with reference to the business of the Chancellor, it will be answered by the Attorney-General, but any question of general policy will have to be put down to the Prime Minister.
§ Sir Irving AlberyIs it not perfectly obvious that at the present time the right hon. Gentleman cannot perform the duties of Chancellor of the Duchy?
§ Mr. AttleeWith regard to the performance of the functions of the Chancellor of the Duchy abroad, that has already been answered.
§ Mr. MaxtonDoes my right hon. Friend think there will be any harm in the affairs of the Chancellor of the Duchy being managed by somebody other than himself?