TNAG-0366-FCO40-412-Visits-of-UK-Members-of-Parliament-to-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 88

Circular 'O' 134/73

Circular Home 'B' 56/73

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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

20 June 1973

JIKA

VISITS BY GOVERN MENT WHIPS

1.

We have unfortunately had one or two recent instances of Whips complaining that they have not received proper treatment at posts abroad. Visits abroad by Whips are likely to become more frequent, and a word of guidance may be helpful.

2.

As you know the Whips are those Peers and Members of Parliament who manage party affairs and organise their parties in divisions and parliamentary debates. Their functions are similar in all three parties, and they provide the link between the front and back benches.

3.

What is, perhaps, sometimes forgotten is the formal rank which Government Whips hold. The Government Chief Whip traditionally holds the office of Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury, and attends all Cabinet meetings. He is responsible, with the Leader of the House, for managing the Government's business in the House. By virtue of his position as Patronage Secretary he also advises the Prime Minister on promotions and honours. The other Government Whips hold salaried offices as Lords Commissioners of the Treasury or as officers of the Royal Household. Whips are therefore Ministers of the Crown.

4.

Since the Whips would not be expected to negotiate with foreign Governments on behalf of HMG in the same way as would Departmental Ministers, it would not normally be appropriate to arrange for a Whip the

Nonetheless, sort of programme you would arrange for a Departmental Minister. Whips should be given all the consideration and help which their position demands. You and your staff should do all you can for them. Since their visits abroad are likely to become more numerous, we must make every effort to make them as useful as we can.

5.

I attach an up-to-date list of the Whips, with their formal titles.

DISTRIBUTION:

DENIS GREENHILL

Heads of Post

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Heads of Department and above (for information)

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