MORE MINISTERS IN FUTURE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 194, 14 May 1936, Page 11

MORE MINISTERS IN FUTURE

Pressure of Work APPOINTMENTS NOT YET CONSIDERED Although an increase in (lie personnel of Cabinet will be necessary before long, any suggestion that it i.s being contemplated in tlie immediate future is somewhat premature, according to a statement made by tlie Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, in an interview last night. “Immediately after the Government, took office and the Cabinet was sworn in, I said that the list of Ministers could not be regarded as final,” Mr. Savage said. “That position still bolds good. Much of the time of Ministers is being taken up in dealing with routine departmental matters which, although necessary, are not of great importance. A system has been built up over many years, and it is uo use blaming the system, but before long Ministers wilt have to be relieved of some of their routine work in order that they may devote more time to important national questions.” The Prime Minister said that the absence of both the Minister of Finance, Hon. W. Nash, and himself in England next year would mean that the numerical strength of the Cabinet would have to be increased. He was not in favour of temporary appointments when there was work for more Ministers than existed at present, but on the other hand, no consideration had yet been given to the question of future appointments. An extension in the appointment of Parliamentary Under-Secretaries was also a possible means of overcoming the existing pressure of work, Mr. Savage continued. The system of having coopted members for Ministers could still work satisfactorily, but it had to be remembered that co-opted members were private members ijjth definite duties In their own constituencies. The whole question would be examined fully before any definite action was taken. Asked whether any increase in the Civil List would be contemplated, the Prime Minister said the cost wms really a secondary consideration. What mattered was having essential work done in the best possible manner.