§ Q3. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that the trichotomy of responsibilities between Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretory of State for Economic Affairs, and the President of the Board of Trade is contributing to maximum economic growth; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I am satisfied that this trichotomy is allocated in the most effective way.
§ Sir G. NabarroIs the Prime Minister aware that, in common usage, "trichotomy" means body, soul and spirit? As the Department of Economic Affairs is both soulless and superfluous, could not we return to a dichotomy of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade only, which would be both effective and expansive?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware that, in common language, the correct translation of "trichotomy", in addition to the hon. Gentleman's interpretation, is also "haircutting"—[Laughter.]—whether facial or otherwise. To answer the second and more serious part of his supplementary question, I am satisfied that the Department of Economic Affairs 227 is performing an essential function in dealing with some of the real and industrial factors on which our expansion and balance of payments surplus must depend, particularly productivity and exports.