§ 49. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing volume and complexity of Colonial affairs, particularly in the African continent, he will consider recommending the appointment of an additional Minister of State.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not contemplate any such appointment at the present time.
§ Mr. JohnsonMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to think again about this matter, because 12 months ago we had no Minister at all in the House and we had to have Questions answered by the Minister responsible for Commonwealth Relations? Is the Prime Minister aware that at least four delegations from Uganda—one Colony alone—are in the country? If he will not listen to me, will he look at his colleague the Secretary of State for the Colonies and think of his health in the future with all this work?
§ The Prime MinisterI assure the hon. Gentleman that I have given thought to this matter. It is the almost universal experience of Ministers that they are hard worked—at least, I hope so—in this Administration.
Mr. DugdaleWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that there are a very large number of remote territories scattered all over the world which never receive a visit from any Member of Her Majesty's Government; that it is most desirable that they should receive such visits, and that they cannot receive them unless there are sufficient Ministers?
§ The Prime MinisterI agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I am as much in favour of such journeys as he is. On the other hand, one has to strike a balance between the duties to be performed and the number of Ministers which this House would willingly tolerate.