HC Deb 24 March 1965 vol 709 c537
1. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the main activities of his Department during the past three months; what is the present staff employed; and whether it is sufficient for the work involved in the future.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Douglas Houghton)

The normal duties of the Chancellor of the Duchy and many others besides. The present staff is the same as that given in my reply to the noble Lord the Member for Hertford (Lord Balniel) on 23rd November, 1964, and is adequate for the time being.

Mr. Gresham-Cooke

As it seems that every seventh Wednesday the Chancellor is to become a sort of questionable scapegoat for the Minister of Agriculture and as the Chancellor owns a lot of agricultural properties, will he be answering for his right hon. Friend and is he satisfied that he will not want more staff for this purpose?

Mr. Houghton

I do not think I am called upon to comment on that supplementary question.