and Leader of the House of Lords. December 1973 – William Whitelaw succeeds Maurice Macmillan as Secretary for Employment. Francis Pym succeeds Whitelaw as Secretary for Northern Ireland. Macmillan becomes Paymaster-General. January 1974 – Ian Gilmour succeeds Lord Carrington as Secretary for Defence; Lord Carrington becomes Secretary of State for Energy. List of ministers Cabinet members are in bold face. References Notes Sources External links British ministries Government 1970s in the United Kingdom 1970 establishments in the United Kingdom 1974 disestablishments in the United Kingdom Ministries of Elizabeth II Cabinets established in 1970 Cabinets disestablished in 1974 Ministry