§ 47. Mr. Shepherdasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need particularly of overseas representation, he will consider the appointment of a Minister of State at the Treasury who would be able to relieve the Chancellor of some of his burdens.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend already has the able assistance of the Financial Secretary and the Economic Secretary; and he can, and he does whenever appropriate, depute one of them to represent him at conferences overseas.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes my right hon. Friend not consider that the prestige of the Treasury Minister would be enhanced if he had Privy Councillor status?
§ The Prime MinisterI should like to say that when I was an Under-Secretary I was not unduly bothered about that, and I do not think that the right hon. Gentleman opposite was either.