HC Deb 15 September 1914 vol 66 cc878-9
6. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in consequence of three out of the four registrars of the Land Registry Office being absent on holiday together, a gentleman outside that office has been appointed to perform their duties at a high rate of remuneration; whether he will explain why at the present juncture such an expenditure should be incurred; and whether there is not a single officer in the Department capable of undertaking, and willing to undertake, the duties of the absent gentlemen, if it be really necessary that they should be away together?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir John Simon)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to answer this question. This question must be put under some misapprehension. No one has been appointed to perform the duties of any of the registrars referred to. The Chief Registrar and two of his assistants are absent on the regular holiday to which they are fully entitled. One of the assistant registrars is in attendance during the vacation, and performs all necessary duties.