§ Ql. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister if he will now give the Paymaster-General further Departmental responsibilities about which he will answer in the House.
§ The First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)I have been asked to reply.
Not at present, Sir.
§ Mr. MartenWould not the First Secretary agree that it is really getting rather unsatisfactory that a Minister should be answerable to Parliament for nothing and that Parliament should not be told anything about what he does? Would he consult with the Prime Minister and perhaps ask him if he might tell us a little more about this intriguing Minister?
§ Mr. StewartParliament has been told a great deal about this. I should add that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister regrets very much that he is not able to answer the hon. Gentleman personally today, but, if the hon. Gentleman would like to table a further Question on a date which would enable the Prime Minister to reply in person, he would be delighted to do so.