Page:Ford, Kissinger, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Foreign Secretary James Callaghan - May 30, 1975(Gerald Ford Library)(1553097).pdf/2

 I really have no time to think about it. I did enjoy it. I had begun to look forward to doing something else, though not this particular job, necessarily.

Some people do get restless just talking.

Well, we have always been in a minority and that does create a problem. I had only wanted to run one more time.

You know Mr. President, we are developing our committee system in the House.

But not in foreign affairs.

Henry and I would be happy to give you one of our Committees on Foreign Affairs. But the committee system does keep members busy. Unfortunately, with the large staffs now there is too much encroaching into Executive Branch business.

One of the problems is that most of the staff members seem to be disgruntled former Government employees. Your committees can't introduce legislation, can they?

That's right, except for the standing committees.

Members can't introduce bills that cost money.

In our case, the Ways and Means Committee is the only one that can introduce tax bills. The Appropriations Committee introduces money bills although the Constitution is not all that clear.

With us, no private MP, even a Minister, can introduce a bill involving expenditures. This requires the "Queen's approval" and it applies even to the most nominal expenditures. But if the Chancellor imposes a new tax and it is voted, it can be enforced immediately. The only requirement is confirmation in the finance bill within four months.

I wish we could borrow that.

We did the petrol tax that way.

How do you think things have gone so far at the summit here?