§ David DavisTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the(a) role, (b) duties and (c) responsibilities of (i) Mr. Jonathan Powell and (ii) the Deputy Prime Minister. [143200]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State deputises for me as required across the range of my responsibilities at home and abroad.
The Deputy Prime Minister chairs Cabinet Committees on domestic affairs, environment and local government; and Sub-Committees on energy policy social exclusion and regeneration.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has responsibility for policy on local and regional government, local government finance, planning, housing, urban policy, the Fire Service, the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, the Social Exclusion Unit, the Regional Co-ordination Unit and the Government Offices for the Regions.
Jonathan Powell is my Chief of Staff and is appointed on special adviser terms. He has direct responsibility for leading and co-ordinating operations across Number 10 and reports to me.
§ David DavisTo ask the Prime Minister what arrangements are in place for delegation of Prime Ministerial duties and responsibilities if the Prime Minister were unable to perform his duties for a period of time. [143201]
§ The Prime MinisterIf I am absent for any reason then appropriate arrangements would be put in place as has been the practice under successive administrations.