§ Q6. Mr. M. Footasked the Prime Minister whether the public speech delivered by the Chief Patronage Secretary to the Scottish Young Unionists' Conference in Glasgow on 2nd March, in regard to the machinery of government, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Chief Whip tells me that the Patronage Secretary made an excellent speech. I do not doubt that it conformed to the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. FootDoes the Prime Minister think that it is conducive to his own dignity that he should have the Chief Patronage Secretary going round the country as the chief barker for himself? Does he not think this shows a suspicion that there are no volunteers for the job?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, not at all. I think that the observations which the Chief Whip made have been made by many others.
§ Sir C. Thornton-KemsleyIs my right hon. Friend aware that Scottish Unionists will welcome this additional publicity for a forthright and sensible speech which was greatly enjoyed by those who were privileged to hear it?