HC Deb 21 June 1979 vol 968 cc1496-7
Q4. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if she will define the duties of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Mr. Whitelaw

I have been asked to reply.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has a personal responsibility to the Queen for the management of the Duchy's estates. He appoints some justices of the peace in the north-west of England. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is also Leader of the House and has responsibility for the arts.

Mr. Dalyell

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman a question of which I gave his office notice in the hope of a considered reply—namely, whether, in the all-party talks, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will be putting forward proposals for rules of referendums if we are to have referendums in future?

Mr. Whitelaw

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his courtesy in giving me notice of what he intended to ask. I hope that my reply will be regarded as a considered one. The proposed talks are intended to deal with the government of Scotland, although they will have to take account of the wider implications of some suggested improvements. It would be inappropriate to include on the agenda rules for referendums, which would obviously have to apply throughout the United Kingdom.

Mr. Latham

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has long been strong support in the art world for the attitudes of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster towards the National Land Fund and the need to reform it? May we have the Cabinet's proposals on the matter as soon as possilbe?

Mr. Whitelaw

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he says about the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. It will be for my right hon. Friend to bring the matter forward. I have no doubt that he will do so in the near future.

Mr. Maclennan

In view of the pressure from Government Back Benchers, especially from the hon. Member for Ravensbourne (Mr. Hunt), for a Minister for London, will the right hon. Gentleman include the subject of devolution to England and London on the agenda for the inter-party talks?

Mr. Whitelaw

I understand that the talks that have been arranged will be to consider the affairs of Scotland.