§ Q5 Sir P. Agnewasked the Prime Minister (1) if he intends to take the necessary steps for raising the status of the Minister of Defence to that of one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, and to designate him as such;
(2) if he intends to take the necessary steps with regard to the Patent constituting the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral so as to provide for the government of the Royal Navy within the new defence framework.
§ The Prime MinisterI recognise that these and other important aspects of the reorganisation, the broad principles of which were announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence on 4th March, are of great interest to my hon. Friend—and, indeed, to the House and 1173 the general public. I hope that when we have worked out all the details of this scheme later in the summer, it will be found to deal satisfactorily with all these issues.
§ Sir P. AgnewIn the meantime, can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he does not intend to leave Admiralty House, except, of course, to return to No. 10 Downing Street?
§ The Prime MinisterI hope to return to No. 10 as soon as it is ready.
§ Mr. BellengerThe Prime Minister will be aware that there are considerable constitutional matters involved in the announcement of the Minister of Defence the other day and, therefore, the House will want full information, I should imagine, in the shape of a White Paper or otherwise before we can come to a decision.
§ The Prime MinisterThe purpose was to raise discussions on general principles and later to put specific proposals to the House. A White Paper would probably he the most convenient method.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs Civil Defence to be placed under the Minister of Defence?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I cannot 1say that at the moment.