Captain CRAIG (for Mr. Leverton Harris)asked the Secretary to the Treasury what persons, other than officials, have been appointed professionally to advise and assist the Government in respect to the Finance Bill; how many of them occupy seats in the Gallery behind Mr. Speaker's chair; what is their status and emoluments; and upon what Votes are their salaries borne?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has temporarily appointed Mr. Adrian Lumley, who has an expert knowledge of valuation, to assist him in regard to Part I. of the Finance Bill. He has also temporarily added two gentlemen (Mr. Davies and Mr. Haw) to his secretarial staff in view of 1416 the unusually heavy work thrown upon them by the Bill. These three gentlemen have an official status during the term of their appointment, and are admitted to the Official Gallery when their presence is required by my right hon. Friend. Their salaries will be charged to Treasury Vote, sub-head C, Special Inquiries. The total cost will be about £600.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether this Mr. Lumley was not in the hands of the receiver last December, and whether he is now the adviser to the Government in matters of valuation? [Cries of "Order."]
§ Mr. H. BELLOCOn a point of order, may I ask, Mr. Speaker, is it in order for a private Member or any hon. Member of this House to use his position in this House for the purpose of attacking an individual?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI sincerely wish it was not. I am afraid the opportunity is often made use of by Members to attack outsiders. I deprecate such a course very strongly, but I have no power, unfortunately, to stop it.