HC Deb 20 April 1943 vol 388 cc1535-6
46. Mr. Driberg

asked the Prime Minister the present functions of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

The Prime Minister

Besides attending to the affairs of the Duchy of Lancaster, which are the ordinary duties of the Chancellor, my right hon. Friend is Chairman of the Security Executive, as stated by the Deputy Prime Minister on 18th June last in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Ormskirk (Commander King-Hall). The Chancellor of the Duchy is also a member of certain Cabinet Committees.

Mr. Driberg

Without any personal disrespect to the right hon. author who now holds the post, could the Prime Minister tell me what salary attaches to it?

The Prime Minister

Yes, certainly, but reference to any of the official publications would have supplied the answer. I thought it was well known that the Chancellor of the Duchy is not paid by the taxpayers. His salary of £2,000 a year comes out of the revenue of the Duchy, that is to say, out of the Privy Purse.

Mr. Driberg

Is the Prime Minister aware that I put the Question because the information could not readily be ascertained?

The Prime Minister

I thought it was well known by most persons who had any experience of Parliamentary matters.

Mr. Shinwell

Am I to understand from what the Prime Minister says that £2,000 a year is the total amount of salary?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir; the total amount. No extra salary is paid to my right hon. Friend for his very arduous and laborious work at the head of the Security Executive. This has been a matter of concern.

Commander Locker-Lampson

He is well worth the £2,000.