§ 47. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he will instruct members of the Cabinet and other Ministers in charge of Departments to consult with hon. Members of all parties on appropriate occasions on subjects of important national interest involving policy and administration.
§ The Prime MinisterAdministration and the formulation of policy are the responsibility of the Government. In discharging this responsibility it is the duty of Ministers to take account of public opinion throughout the country on important matters affecting the national interest, and I am confident that they will continue to do so.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, occasionally, Ministers encounter difficulties, while, at the same time, hon. Members have spells of inactivity, and would it not be desirable for there to be contacts on such occasions? Is the Prime Minister not aware that there reside great quality, talent and knowledge among hon. Members, and would it not be desirable occasionally to have consultations on important subjects, for example on the subjects of defence, foreign policy and the like?
§ The Prime MinisterI should have thought that the right hon. Gentleman, with his long experience in the House, would know that contacts between Ministers and hon. Members are very close, and always have been, unofficially as well as officially. There are many occasions for debate and discussion and Question and Answer. I should not have thought that the spells of inactivity of private Members to which he refers were quite so prolonged as he seems to suggest.
§ Mr. NicholsonHas my right hon. Friend noticed the remarkable self-denial of the right hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell), in that he speaks of hon. Members and not right hon. Members?
§ Mr. ShinwellWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that my characteristic modesty, which has been noted by the hon. Member for Farnham (Mr. Nicholson), deserved more consideration?