HC Deb 03 February 1943 vol 386 c893
45. Mr. George Griffiths

asked the Prime Minister whether, when the Foreign Secretary was appointed to the War Cabinet and Leader of the House, he was relieved of some of his duties at the Foreign Office, as it is impossible for him to carry out all those duties efficiently?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

The Foreign Secretary of the day has always been a member of the War Cabinet. My hon. Friend can rest assured that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary would not have undertaken these extra duties if he had not been satisfied that he could discharge them.

Mr. Griffiths

Has not the Foreign Secretary been appointed Leader of the House since then? He is Leader of the House, a member of the War Cabinet and Foreign Secretary, and anybody who has heard his answers to-day will understand that his duties as Foreign Secretary are tremendous. May I further ask whether the Home Secretary fulfils his duties equal to the Foreign Secretary?