HC Deb 26 February 1951 vol 484 cc1737-8
45. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing importance of the Department, he intends to appoint a Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I have considered this suggestion in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence, but we do not think that such an appointment is necessary.

Mr. Hynd

Is it not necessary at the present time, in view of the importance of the Ministry of Defence, and the fact that there are three Ministers at the Admiralty, for this Ministry to have more than one Minister?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend has mistaken the position of the Ministry of Defence. It is not intended, and never was intended, that this Ministry should have administrative functions. Administrative functions are the responsibility of the Service Ministries. The whole essence of a Defence Ministry is that it should be kept small.