HL Deb 10 December 1963 vol 253 c1198WA
LORD MORRISON OF LAMBETH

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the total number of Ministers in the Government (including Whips) at the following times:

  • End of July, 1937;
  • End of July, 1939;
  • End of July, 1945;
  • End of July, 1950;
  • End of July, 1955;
  • End of July, 1963;
  • Current date.

LORD CARRINGTON

The following are the figures excluding Assistant Whips:—

  • End of July, 1937: 63
  • End of July, 1939: 64
  • End of July, 1945: 7
  • (77 when the formation of the Administration was completed)
  • End of July, 1950: 83
  • End of July, 1955: 84
  • End of July, 1963: 89
  • December 3, 1963: 90

The explanation of the figure 7 for the number of Ministers in the Government at the end of July, 1945, is that Mr. Attlee was, at that date, in the early stage of forming his Administration.

House adjourned at twelve minutes past seven o'clock.