HC Deb 23 February 1961 vol 635 cc786-8
43. Mr. Peart

asked the Prime Minister if, in order to remove doubt, he will define the scope of responsibility of the Parliamentary Secretary for Science with particular regard to his responsibility for answering Parliamentary Questions.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Mr. Neave) on 9th February.

Mr. Pearl

The Prime Minister will recollect that in his Written Answer of 9th February he said that all Questions falling within the responsibility of his noble Friend the Minister for Science could be answered in this House. Is he aware that although a distinguished group of scientists annually report to the Minister, Questions on those reports are still transferred to other Departments? Will he look into this matter so that we can have the difficulty cleared up?

The Prime Minister

Of course, I want to do whatever is of the greatest convenience to the House. I will not weary the House by repeating that rather long reply, but if there is any point as we go along which is found to cause difficulty, of course I will look into it so as to get the best result. Broadly speaking, what is stated in my reply will be for the convenience of the House.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that in the buff list of the forthcoming Oral Questions issued to Members there is no mention of the Minister for Science and that Members who put Questions to that Minister have to take pot luck about when the Question may appear and to whom it may be addressed?

The Prime Minister

It is not customary to make special provision for Questions to the Lord President in that capacity and it is rare for there to be opportunities for Questions in this House about matters which are the responsibility of the Lord President. As to when and how those Questions are to be asked of the Parliamentary Secretary, I will consult the authorities of the House and see whether we can get a good working arrangement.

Mr. Pearl

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Parliamentary Secretary now has a day allotted to him when he can answer Questions? What we are worried about is the type of Questions which are transferred to another Minister. Perhaps there is some Ministerial jealousy in this?

The Prime Minister

No, I do not think so, but I am glad that it is a question not of pot luck but of what should be the ingredients of the meal.