§ Q11. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an undertaking that he will announce in the House of Commons any proposed changes in Ministerial responsibilities before such changes are made public.
§ The Prime MinisterAs far as Ministerial appointments are concerned, my hon. Friend will know that the traditional practice is that these appointments should be announced from 10 Downing Street as soon as possible after they are made. As far as the responsibilities of non-departmental Ministers are concerned, it is not customary for these to be explained in detail either to the House or publicly. However, where it is desirable that the change should be made public, as in the case of the recent change in the responsibilities of my right hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio, who had the duty of answering to this House for a specific subject, namely Rhodesia, an explanation is given to the House at the earliest suitable opportunity.