HC Deb 03 December 1970 vol 807 cc1458-60
Q1. Mr. Ashton

asked the Prime Minister what number of staff he had in his office on 1st December, 1970; and how this compares with the number on 19th June, 1970.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

Sixty-three on both dates.

Mr. Ashton

Is the Prime Minister aware that from 1st July to 1st December this year he transferred no fewer than 148 Questions to other Ministers? [HON. MEMBERS: "Disgraceful."] Is he further aware that in comparison with that figure his predecessor in office in the same period of 1969 transferred only 59 Questions—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I remind the hon. Member that this Question relates to the number of staff.

Mr. Ashton

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether he transferred these extra Questions because he is short of staff or because he picks out the easy ones and passes on the others?

The Prime Minister

One needs to look at these figures on a proportionate basis. It is true that in that period I transferred 26 per cent. of Questions. The right hon. Gentleman, the present Leader of the Opposition, in 1965–66 and 1966–67 transferred 28 per cent. It is true that in the period cited, in 1969, the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition transferred only 17 per cent. of his Questions, but this was in his declining months when he had not the strength left either to transfer or to answer Questions.

Mr. Harold Wilson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures he quoted for 1966 with such eclat included an exercise by his back benchers who put down 100 Questions to me, which had nothing at all to do with No. 10 Downing Street and which were properly transferred? On the main point, although I recognise the right of any Minister to transfer a Question if he feels that it is not appropriate, would the right hon. Gentleman say whether there have been any changes in practice as to the kind of Question he has answered compared with June? For example, is he now answering Questions about the appointment of Royal Commissions, which I used to answer, and other Questions?

The Prime Minister

In regard to special exercises by back benchers, the right hon. Gentleman's own back benchers have also been carrying out exercises. I have not transferred those because, quite honestly, it has not been worth it. In regard to the practice, this has remained the same. The right hon. Gentleman's memory is at fault. I am informed that when Questions were tabled on Royal Commissions which related specifically to a Departmental Minister's responsibilities and which he could have answered, the Questions in those days were transferred. Apart from the other point which was raised in Business Questions to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, the practice remains the same, and that particular point is now being examined.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Since some of us can remember the bad old days and the ways of the ancien régime—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Questions—in English.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

—the ancient régime, Mr. Speaker, could the Prime Minister say whether he has improved on the rate of answering Questions over that of his predecessor, and whether the number of staff employed at 10 Downing Street to answer Questions has increased commensurately?

The Prime Minister

There has been a 60 per cent. increase in the number of Questions tabled to myself as Prime Minister and there has been a 42 per cent. increase in the number which I have answered. This is in comparison with those to whom I think my hon. Friend was really referring as the "old gang".