HC Deb 14 May 1968 vol 764 cc1033-4
Q4. Mr. Moonman

asked the Prime Minister what further changes he plans to make in the co-ordination of the work of other Ministers and Departments in the light of the recent changes in the responsibilities for economic and social affairs.

The Prime Minister

These matters are kept under regular review and I would be happy to consider any specific point my hon. Friend might care to make.

Mr. Moonman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there would be a considerable measure of support among Members, possibly on both sides of the House, for an extension of structural changes in the Government machine which could improve decision-making as well as such other related matters as the size of Cabinet and the use of Ministers without Portfolio?

The Prime Minister

These changes are going on all the time. My hon. Friend's supplementary question was in very general terms. Knowing his connection with industry and efficiency devices in industry, I should be happy to receive any specific proposals which he may have to put to me.

Sir C. Osborne

But since the Prime Minister has greater knowledge of and authority over economic affairs than any of his Ministers, why does not he resume responsibility for them himself?

The Prime Minister

I have already described in the House the general responsibility in these matters. Any Prime Minister must have a very central responsibility, particularly when for some years past we have been dealing not only with balance of payments problems but with a no less important and essential contribution to solving the balance of payments problem, namely, the need for a continuing drive to restructure British industry.

Mr. Heath

As a result of the new arrangements made by the Prime Minister for the co-ordination of Government Departments, does responsibility for laying the regulations reinstituting prescription charges rest with the Lord President or with the Minister of Health? Is it intended that prescription charges shall still become effective on 10th June? If so, when will the regulations be laid?

The Prime Minister

On the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, the position, as I have informed the House, is that the Ministry of Health continues in being, and my right hon. Friend has a responsibility for laying these charges. They will be laid in time to take effect on the due date, which is correctly described by the right hon. Gentleman.