§ Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister if she will take steps to abate the ministerial salaries of Ministers of the Crown who hold national office in a political party; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterNo.
§ Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister what duties were undertaken at the Department of Employment by the hon. Member for Suffolk, Coastal (Mr. Gummer) while Under-Secretary of State; what are his present duties; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Prime Minister what new ministerial responsibilities have been conferred on the 163W hon. Member for Suffolk, Coastal (Mr. Gummer) following his promotion from Under-Secretary of State to Minister of State, Department of Employment; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend retains the responsibilities he had as Under-Secretary for industrial relations, union reform, employee rights, employee participation, job satisfaction; dock labour; health and safety at work; redundancy pay; pay, hours of work, holidays, wages councils.
In addition, he has assumed responsibility for international labour matters and financial and staff management in the Department of Employment and will have a leading role in taking the Trade Union (Amendment) Bill through the House. I am satisfied that the additional responsibilities assumed by my hon. Friend require and justify his appointment as a Minister of State.