Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by David Heath (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 6 December 2005 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Patronage

Question: I am glad that the sole incumbent of the Cabinet Office believes that the ancient livings patronage is in good hands. Does he believe that consideration by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of matters such as patronage might interfere with other duties, such as control and responsibility for the Civil Contingencies Secretariat? Might not people in this country be rather surprised that nobody has been in charge of emergency planning during what we are told is a war on terrorism for nearly five weeks?

Answer: That point was made recently in another place. The Civil Contingencies Secretariat is closely monitored and works in partnership with Ministers across Government. The Home Secretary is the lead Minister responsible for a lot of the responses to emergency crises and contingencies. I shall take this opportunity to thank those involved in that secretariat for their fantastic work with Ministers across Government.

Secondary information