§ Q2. Mr. Haleasked the Prime Minister why no provision is made in the current Order of Questions for Questions addressed to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster about matter exclusively the concern of the Duchy.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that the present practice has led to any difficulty. But these matters can always be re-examined through the usual channels if that is the wish of the House.
§ Mr. Haleis the Prime Minister aware that the name of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has always been on the Order Paper for Questions up to now? Is he aware that there is now no day for asking him Questions? Is he aware that I put down Questions to the Attorney-General and then he writes and says that he is transferring them to the Chancellor of the Duchy and I still do not know what I have to do to obtain an oral Answer? Perhaps it is a mistake, but it is a denial of our rights.
§ The Prime MinisterI quite appreciate the hon. Member's difficulty. Up to 1957 it was not the practice to make special provision, and then for a short time it was. Now it has ceased to be the practice, but if it is the general wish it is quite easy to make a change. In fact, only four Questions have been asked since 1957 of the Chancellor of the Duchy in relation to matters affecting the Duchy, apart from three Questions which the hon. Member has down for Thursday next.