HC Deb 26 January 1981 vol 997 c638
32. Mr. Adley

asked the Paymaster General what new proposals he has to enable him effectively to carry out his role as it relates to the promotion of Government policy.

Mr. Pym

At present I have no new proposals to make.

Mr. Adley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of my constituents feel that the willingness of the Prime Minister to explain, defend and promote her policies and those of the Government is not always matched by all her ministerial colleagues? Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of my constituents would welcome a more robust effort in that regard?

Mr. Pymm

I take note of what my hon. Friend says. The responsibility for presenting and explaining programmes and policy belongs to every Minister. I wish to do what I can in my present role to assist that process.

Mr. James A. Dunn

If the right hon. Gentleman has no plans for new methods, will he examine the existing methods, and give instructions to all his ministerial colleagues to the effect that whenever a report emanates from a publlic body it should be supplied at the request of any hon. Member? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I refer to the report of the National Ports Council on the port of Liverpool, which is still withheld from hon. Members, even though they continue to request it?

Mr. Pym

I am not informed on that point, but I shall look into it.

Sir Anthony Meyer

As it is the settled policy of the Conservative Party and the Government to make a success of British membership of the EEC, will my right hon. Friend encourage Ministers to make speeches indicating their objectives within the EEC, bearing in mind that the British Presidency is only six months away?

Mr. Pym

It is obviosuly of the utmost importance that Britain remains, as we shall remain, a member of the Community. It is extremely important from the point of view of our trade and employment. I think that the Community now takes more than 40 per cent. of our exports. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to us not only in terms of ordinary everyday trading arrangements, but in a wide political sense. I agree with my hon. Friend that from time to time many of my right hon. and hon. Friends in the Government make speeches about the European Community, and they will continue to do so.