HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc71-2
Q4. Mr. Grey

asked the Prime Minister which Minister will in future answer Questions on the North-East.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) on 19th November.

Mr. Grey

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Prime Minister how much we and a number of hon. Members deprecate the idea of deleting the North-East from the Order Paper, especially when we see no reason why it should be done? In view of the special problems of the North-East. will further consideration be given to restoring our Question time to enable Members representing constituencies in the North-East to concentrate their efforts on seeing that the recently published plan is carried into effect?

Mr. Butler

The Question asked who would answer Questions on the North-East. Now the hon. Member asks whether we can see that the Questions are answered, and I should certainly like to investigate that.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the phrase "North-East" as used in this Question and as has become general even with the Government is ambiguous because the north-east of this island includes the north-east of Scotland?

Mr. Butler

The connotation in this Question is clearly understood.