§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Who holds the office of Master of the Hawks, the salary of which is paid out of the Consolidated Fund; what is now the nature of the duties, and the amount of such salary; what is meant by the statement in the Finance Accounts that such salary is "first charged" upon London; by whom is this official appointed; and, what steps, if any, will be taken to abolish an office which is apparantly a sinecure?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)This office is held by the 1106 Duke of St. Albans. I am not aware that he has any duties to perform. The sum payable is £965. By the Act 29 & 30 Vict. c. 62 a number of payments originally charged on the land revenues of the Crown, including the payment now in question, were transferred to the Consolidated Fund. The payment to the Master of the Hawks was originally charged on the land revenues derived from the City of London. The office is hereditary. It will be the duty of Her Majesty's Government to consider the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Perpetual Pensions.
§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)Does the hon. Gentleman know that the evidence given before the Committee proves that there are no duties attached to the office?
§ [No reply.]