§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state who has been appointed Chief Commissioner for Scotland under the Insurance Act; what is the salary to be paid to him, and for how many years is his engagement; what were his previous positions and experience which qualified him for the post of Chief Commissioner; and what was the salary previously enjoyed by him in his last situation?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)The chairman of the Scottish Commission (Mr. Leishman) was appointed as an established Civil servant at a salary of £1,800 per annum. He was qualified by a long and varied experience of business and of public work. At the time of his appointment he was occupying the position of honorary treasurer of the city of Edinburgh. He was strongly recommended to my right hon. Friend by men well qualified to speak, and I regard it as fortunate that the Government have been able to obtain the services of so able an officer. I have not inquired as to his income before his appointment, nor do I propose to make such an inquiry.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask how it is if he knows this gentleman occupied the position of treasurer to the city of Edinburgh that he was not aware of the identity of one of the Commissioners when I asked a question the other day?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no idea of what the Noble Lord is referring to.
§ Mr. WATTIs the salary of £1,800 a larger salary than that paid to the Irishman or the Welshman or the Englishman, in the position?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot say offhand; but I think it is less than that paid to the Chairman of the English Commissioners.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs it not the practice that all Englishmen are paid less than Welshmen or Scotchmen?