56 THE BRITISH APPROACH TO POLITICS

of the President of the Board of Education on the kind of teaching
they should have at school and the age at which they should
leave. The Minister of Health cannot urge local authorities to
build more houses if the Chancellor of the Exchequer is com-
pelling them to spend less money. The purpose of the Cabinet
is to fit the plans of different departments together so that they
make up a consistent policy. One of the tests of a good Prime
Minister and a good Government is the efficiency with which
this task is performed.

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET.

When the Prime Minister, appointed after an election victory
of his party, is forming the Cabinet, he must look round at the
prominent party members. His difficulties will be chiefly personal.
So-and-so would make a good Commissioner of Works; but he
would like to be, say. Foreign Secretary, and will not come in
for less; he is a popular man and his absence would weaken the
Government. Somebody else is able and well-known; but he
cannot argue without quarrelling and will be a source of trouble
at Cabinet meetings. Two men would be suitable by themselves,
but cannot get on together; another will not come unless his
friend* also is given a post. So a good Prime Minister must under-
stand men as well as facts; and a good Cabinet Minister will be
able not only to master his Department but to discuss policy
reasonably with his colleagues. Cabinet Government is a severe
test of ability, and every Cabinet brings surprises, as hidden
talent is discovered or promising material disappoints: so from
time to time Cabinet "re-shuffles" are necessary and a further
demand is made on the Prime Minister's tact.

The members of the Cabinet are:—Prime Minister, Lord
President of the Council, Łord Chancellor, Lord Privy Seal,
Chancellor of the Exchequer; eight "Secretaries of State"—for
Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Dominions, Colonies, Scotland,
War, Air, and India: the First Lord of the Admiralty, the
President of the Board of Trade, the Minister of Health, the