HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc73-4
Q6. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Prime Minister the present duties of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave in answer to similar Questions on 21st November.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those Answers were both evasive and inconclusive? Does he recognise that the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster was Leader of this House and that it was clear that he was being paid from public funds because he was Leader of this House and not for any other reason, that there is no such apparent reason for the payment out of public funds of the present Chancellor of the Duchy and that there is a widespread impression in the country that he is being paid out of public funds to be Chairman of the Tory Party?

Mr. Butler

The present holder of the office of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has heavy duties to perform in another place and also heavy duties to perform in the Cabinet, which he performs with great distinction.

Mr. H. Wilson

Apart from the gross impropriety of asking the taxpayer to pay a party official in this way, which was the subject of exchanges last week, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that among the long-standing duties of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster are some important duties in the County Palatine of Lancaster, including the appointment of justices of the peace? Is it not wrong that a man who is practically full-time Chairman of the Conservative Party should have responsibility for such appointments?

Mr. Butler

I do not at all accept that these appointments cannot be carried out and performed with absolute integrity by my noble Friend.