HC Deb 08 March 1916 vol 80 cc1529-30
45. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether the salary paid to Lord Kitchener is paid to him in virtue of his functions as Secretary of State for War; if so, why it is in excess of the amount usually paid, or whether it is paid to him as Agent-General in Egypt; and, if so, whether he is performing at present, or has performed since his appointment as Secretary of State for War, any of the functions of Agent-General in Egypt?

15. Mr. COWAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether on the occasion of Lord Kitchener's appointment as Secretary of State for War an engagement was entered into guaranteeing him a certain salary for the duration of the War?

The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Lloyd George)

On the outbreak of War, Lord Kitchener was in receipt of £6,140 a year, which was the salary drawn by the British Agent and Consul-General in Egypt while on leave. On his acceptance of the post of Secretary of State for War this salary was continued.

Mr. LYNCH

Is not the moment badly chosen to pay a public functionary an excessive amount for services which he does not perform?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter upon which everyone can form his own opinion.

Mr. COWAN

Do I understand that the salary paid to the Secretary for War is guaranteed for the term of the War?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly, as long as Lord Kitchener holds office.

Mr. WATT

Does that figure include the duty of looking after munitions?

Mr. COWAN

Is that salary guaranteed for the term of the War whether Lord Kitchener remains Secretary for War during the whole of the War or not?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It is the salary guaranteed to Lord Kitchener.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it paid irrespective of the duties he performs?

47. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether, when Lord Kitchener was appointed Secretary of State for War, he resigned his functions of Agent-General in Egypt?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

No, Sir: on Lord Kitchener's departure from Egypt the business of His Majesty's Agency and Consulate General was, as is customary, conducted by a Chargé d'Affaires. Subsequently it became necessary, in view of the altered status of Egypt, to appoint a High Commissioner, and Sir Henry McMahon was appointed to this position on 18th December,1914.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the whole situation be revised, because, as it stands, it is discreditable to all concerned?