HC Deb 13 July 1953 vol 517 cc1715-6
47. Mr. Benn

asked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for the conduct of the Foreign Office in the absence of the Foreign Secretary, the Prime Minister and the Acting Foreign Secretary.

49. Mr. Beswick

asked the Prime Minister which Minister is performing the duties at the Foreign Office of the Acting Foreign Secretary in the latter's absence at Washington.

Mr. R. A. Butler

During his visit to Washington, my noble Friend the Acting Foreign Secretary remains in charge of the Foreign Office.

Mr. Benn

In view of the fact that British foreign policy appears to be losing impetus and a sense of direction, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a Cabinet Minister available in this country to be in charge of the Foreign Office, and preferably one also responsible to this House?

Mr. Butler

It is in accordance with precedent, at any rate it occurred at least twice under the late Government, that when the Foreign Secretary is temporarily absent, he still retains control of the Foreign Office. That is perfectly possible in these days of modern communications. Regarding the further observations of the hon. Gentleman I should have thought the momentum of the foreign policy of Her Majesty's Government, which is already considerable, was now being carried forward by my noble Friend at Washington, and I do not doubt that when the results are seen the hon. Gentleman's views will be confounded.