§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will define the role and responsibilities of the office of Prime Minister. [HL390]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe Prime Minister is the Head of Her Majesty's Government and Her principal adviser. He is the chairman of the Cabinet. Some specific functions have also been conferred upon him by statute—for example, by the Intelligence Services Act 1994. However, the office has evolved over many years, drawing on convention and usage, and it is not possible precisely to define its role and responsibilities.
121WA
§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the statute law and common law provisions that govern the office of Prime Minister. [HL391]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe Prime Minister's office is subject to the rule of law like anyone else. Very few provisions govern the office of the Prime Minister specifically, although, for example, the office's salary is determined by the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1975 (as amended). The Prime Minister also holds the offices of First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service.
§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to introduce a Prime Minister's Department. [HL393]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe Government have no such plans.