§ Q4. Sir G. Nicholsonasked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to implement the recommendation of the Plowden Committee relating to the need to enable Departmental Ministers to discharge their collective responsibility in relation to public expenditure more effectively.
§ The Prime MinisterWe have strengthened the arrangements for ensuring that Ministers are kept regularly informed about the prospective development of expenditure as a whole and of resources.
§ Sir G. NicholsonDoes this mean that my right hon. Friend accepts the criticisms of the Plowden Committee, which was disquieted by the fact that, although Ministers certainly had full individual responsibility in relation to their Departments, they were to some extent lacking in opportunities of expressing collective responsibility complementary to their individual responsibility?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are trying to act upon the recommendations of the Plowden Committee, which have been very valuable. I think that the appointment of my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General as Chief Secretary to the Treasury is a help in this direction.
§ Mr. MilneIn view of the Prime Minister's failure to answer my supplementary question, have we now to listen to certain voices in the Conservative Party indicating that it is a new Prime Minister this country requires?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not see how that arises out of the recommendations of the Plowden Committee.