§ 41. Mr. F. WHYTEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is competent for the Treasury to transfer the office of Public Trustee to the Civil Service by an administrative act without Parliamentary sanction?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Montagu)Yes, Sir. Under the Public Trustee Act, 1906, and the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, the Lord Chancellor has power to recommend, and the Treasury to sanction, the establishment of the staff of the Public Trustee on Civil Service lines, subject, of course, to the salaries being duly voted by Parliament.
§ Mr. RENDALLIs there any intention of doing that?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat does not arise.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the Secretary to the Treasury give an undertaking that it shall not be done without some debate in this House?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would not like to give an undertaking about it without notice; there is no suggestion in the question that it should be done.