§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister what are the duties of the Lord President of the Council; who will perform these duties during his absence; and how long it is anticipated that the Lord President will be away?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I explained in my reply to a similar question on 15th June, 1937, the Lord President of the Council is in charge of the work of the Privy Council Office. He presides over the Research Committees of the Privy Council on Science and Industry, Medicine, and Agriculture, and is responsible for the administration of the Departments under those Committees. He is also Chairman of the National Radium Trust. In addition, the present holder of the office is a member of the Cabinet and takes part in the work of several Cabinet Committees. Lord Zetland will act in the absence of Lord Runciman who is expected back in May next.