§ Q3. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of increasing inflation, he will, as a matter of urgency, establish the necessary machinery for inquiring into the terms of the Civil List.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not yet in a position to add to the answer I gave to a similar Question by the hon. Member on 27th October, 1970.—[Vol. 805, c. 25–6.]
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am not unduly worried by that? Does he recall his own statement on 11th November, 1969, when he called for a Select Committee, since when inflation has proceeded apace? Can he give the House an assurance that no payments are being made out of funds not approved by this House in the meanwhile? Has he had any further representations from the inhabitants of the west end of The Mall about the increasing hardship there?
§ The Prime MinisterI said in my statement, at the time when the Leader of the Opposition told the House about the situation, that it was the responsibility of the Government of the day to propose to the House when action should be taken by the customary means of a Select Committee and obtaining its advice. Her Majesty's Government fully accept that responsibility. On the other question, the position remains the same as the Leader of the Opposition then told the House, which is that the funds available to Her Majesty from other sources, although not inexhaustible, will suffice for some time yet.