§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Prime Minister what is the role of the Minister without Portfolio; and for what reason he is excluded from the rota for oral questions. [1225]
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend's role is to assist me and my Ministerial colleagues in implementing Government policy and presenting it effectively.
My hon. Friend is not in charge of a Department. Therefore—in line with the practice of the Minister without Portfolio in the previous administration—he will not have a slot on the rota for oral questions.