ECONOMIC SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY

HC Deb 23 January 1958 vol 580 c1251

49. Mr. Cronin

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to appoint an Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

51. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the recent Ministerial changes and the reasons for such changes; and whether he will announce the appointment of a successor to the office of Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the correspondence which has been published. As the Paymaster-General will assist the Chancellor of the Exchequer in dealing with economic affairs, it is not proposed to appoint an Economic Secretary for the present.

Mr. Cronin

Does not the continued vacancy of the office of Economic Secretary suggest that the Prime Minister does not think any of his hon. Friends have enough ability to fill it? If that is not the case, why is the country being deprived of the services of an Economic Secretary?

Mr. Butler

My right hon. Friend is so much impressed by the ability of the Paymaster-General that he does not think it necessary to fill the job.