§ Q7. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Minister of State to act as a deputy in his office, whose duties would include those of acting for him at formal occasions and functions.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltIn these days when the Prime Minister is able to devote more time to one of his many onerous duties only at the expense of another, is it not somewhat nonsensical that there should be six Ministers who have two Ministerial assistants, three who have three and two Ministers who have no fewer than four, but the Prime Minister has not one at all?
§ The Prime MinisterMy colleagues are very kind in undertaking work suitable to them, but I thought this Question referred to what are called"formal occasions". There is the difficulty that these sort of formal occasions do take time, but, on the other hand, if the Prime Minister of the day, or the Foreign Minister, did not attend them, great offence would be given. One has to balance what is the purpose of these occasions and try to do the best one can.
§ Mr. BellengerIn view of the talk going on in certain Parliamentary circles, does not the Prime Minister take this as a friendly Question from his hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Sir J. Langford-Holt)?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIn view of the fact that the Leader of the Opposition has seen fit to appoint a deputy to stand in for him on certain occasions, will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that Government time can be taken to debate a suitable Motion on the reduction of the salary of the Leader of the Opposition?
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuWill the Prime Minister consider soon appointing a substitute for himself on all occasions?
§ The Prime MinisterAlthough I am sure that is kindly meant, I think the remedy would be worse than the disease.
§ Mr. GrimondMay I ask the Prime Minister to which remedy he is referring?
§ The Prime MinisterThe right hon. Member is not likely to be pestered by these problems.