HC Deb 11 October 1976 vol 917 c36W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out in the Official Report the assignment of specific responsibilities to all Ministers in his Department, including Overseas Development, and separately, the assignment of duties connected with the European Economic Community.

Mr. Crosland

No. Ministerial responsibilities, including overseas development and the EEC, remain as set out in the current edition of the list of Ministerial Responsibilities, copies of which are available on request from the Whips' offices, except that my right hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Dr. Owen), has succeeded my right hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Sparkbrook (Mr. Hattersley) as Minister of State, and that responsibility for personnel and administration (policy aspects) has been transferred from the former to the right hon. the Lord Goronwy-Roberts. In addition, my right hon Friend the Member for Newham, North-East (Mr. Prentice) will undertake additional duties within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that a second Cabinet Minister will be available to deal with the extra burdens arising from the Presidency of the EEC, which falls to the United Kingdom on 1st January 1977, and the Commonwealth Conference.