HC Deb 02 February 1981 vol 998 cc13-4
19. Mr. Canavan

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what patronage appointments he is responsible for.

Mr. Pym

I appoint incumbents to 40 Church livings; also members to the governing bodies of six universities and schools; the chaplains to two almshouses; and the residents to one of these charitable homes.

Mr. Canavan

Does the Minister agree that he is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Prime Ministerial patronage, because he is not only the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster but also the Leader of the House and the Paymaster General? Does the Minister not feel a bit guilty about the fact that he has three jobs when there are 1½ million people with no jobs at all because of his Government's unemployment policies?

Mr. Pym

I think that it is quite a good advertisement for higher productivity.

Mr. Stokes

On the question of patronage, does my right hon. Friend agree that it is far better that appointments should be made by patronage rather than by, say, the block vote?

Mr. Pym

That is a matter of opinion. In this case, of course, it is Her Majesty who is the patron.

Mr. Cormack

In view of the impending changes on the Opposition Benches, will my right hon. Friend promise to keep at least some vacancies in the alms houses?

Mr. Pym

I note what my hon. Friend has said.