MINISTERS OF THE CROWN (EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS) BILL.

HL Deb 01 September 1939 vol 114 cc946-7

Read 1^a.

11.27 p.m.

EARL STANHOPE

My Lords, this Bill deals with the appointment of Ministers in connection with the prosecution of war. His Majesty may without legislation appoint as many Ministers as he desires; but it is convenient to make provision for certain detailed arrangements, such as the taking of the Oath, the adoption of a Seal and the exercise of departmental functions by the Emergency Ministers of the Crown. It is the purpose of this Bill to make such provision. Your Lordships will see under Clause 5 that the duties which are now undertaken by one department can be transferred to one of these new departments if it be found desirable to do so. I beg to move the Bill be now read a second time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2^a.—(Earl Stanhope.)

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, may I ask the noble Earl how many extra Ministers it is proposed to appoint and to what posts?

EARL STANHOPE

I am afraid I cannot give that information. I know several of them, but I do not want to deceive the House by stating perhaps an inadequate number or perhaps mentioning some which have now been swallowed up and put into others. I fancy there are four or five at least.

On Question, Bill read 2^a: Committee negatived.

Bill read 3^a, and passed, and a Message sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.