QUESTIONS FOR THE PRIME MINISTER

Mr Speaker: I have received a letter dated 13th January 1989 from the First Deputy Prime Minister which reads as follows:

"When I announced the new Cabinet on 10 September 1988, I said that the initiative of Government would lie with me, and I would set the direction and pace of policies, and that the Prime Minister would just preside over the Cabinet like the Chairman of a large corporation.

2 The members of the Cabinet were chosen by me, and we are in charge of the day-to-day running of the Government, not the Prime Minister. He chairs Cabinet meetings and gives us the benefit of his experience. However, we settle the policies.

3 My colleagues and I are therefore answerable for the performance of this Government, not the Prime Minister. If Members have any questions intended for the Prime Minister on the actions and conduct of this Government, they should address them to me. I will answer them or direct another Minister to do as appropriate."

Accordingly, I direct that any Member, who intends to ask questions of the Prime Minister, to address such questions to the First Deputy Prime Minister.