HC Deb 23 March 1965 vol 709 cc320-1
Q5. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Prime Minister what arrangements he has made for the carrying out of his Parliamentary duties during his absence.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) on 18th February.

Mr. Lewis

That did not tell us very much. Does not the Prime Minister agree that he adds up to a large Administration, and should not he think in terms of appointing a deputy Prime Minister? Is he aware that according to the newspapers today there is a space explorer called Brown who at this minute is in the "Go" position? In any event, in view of the growing influence in his party of the hon. Members for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Zilliacus) and Nelson and Colne (Mr. Sydney Silverman), will he consult them if he thinks of appointing a deputy?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman"s question is very laboured, but his main Question referred to my absences. I do not intend to be absent more than I can help during the periods when I am due to answer Questions here, and when I do go abroad, in the main I try to avoid absenting myself when I should be here to answer Questions, so I do not think that this very involved and laboured Question really takes us much further.

Mr. Ioan L. Evans

Will my right hon. Friend advise on the appointment of a deputy Leader of the Opposition to avoid all the manoeuvrings on the opposite side of the House?