HC Deb 03 April 1958 vol 585 cc1385-6
50. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Prime Minister whether he will instruct Ministers, when making official speeches in the country, always to make clear the fact that they are speaking in their Ministerial capacity.

The Prime Minister

No such instructions are necessary. Official speeches are by definition made in a Ministerial capacity.

Mr. Yates

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, after leading a deputation to the Minister of Health, described the Minister of Health as "a junior colleague" and as having "ducked the issue"? Does not this indicate a difference of opinion between Ministers, and will the Prime Minister say which opinion he supports?

The Prime Minister

I think the hon. Gentleman is making a great deal of this incident. As I understand it, the Chancellor of the Duchy was carrying out his duty as the Member for his constituency, and perhaps he showed the proper fervour that such Members do. However, I am sure that this is of very minor importance. I am informed that this matter was one in which the Chancellor of the Duchy was acting in what he believed to be ordinary constituency work at a private meeting. Therefore, if there is any difficulty it is one of a very minor character.

Hon. Members

A little local difficulty?

Mr. H. Morrison

Are we to take it from the Prime Minister that he is now establishing the doctrine that any Minister has a right to attack another Minister on a constituency matter if the first Minister does not get his own way with the Minister of the Department concerned?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. There was nothing of the character of an attack, and the right hon. Gentleman knows that.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Es my right hon. Friend aware that the more Ministers follow his example yesterday in making speeches drawing attention to the economic opportunities in the Commonwealth the more many of us will be pleased?

Mr. Gaitskell

Can the Prime Minister really be serious when he says that it was not an attack upon the Minister of Health? Very strong language was used. Would not the Prime Minister agree that it is a very strange lapse coming from a Minister who is supposed to be in charge of public relations?

The Prime Minister

The right hon. Gentleman is a much better judge than I am of how to try to keep a party together.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Heath.]