HC Deb 27 February 1919 vol 112 cc1952-3
65. Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a Return showing the names of the officials attending the Peace Conference, the offices they are filling, and the salaries which they are drawing?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I shall consider whether it is possible to grant the Return asked for.

Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESS

Will it include allowances as well as salaries?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I promised to consider whether the Return could be given, but it is not easy, because the head officials come and go. They do their work partly here and partly in Paris. I may say that before I left Paris, at the request of the Prime Minister, I carefully examined the numbers and strict limitations were introduced.

Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of public comment on the size of the Mission, and a good deal of doubt as to whether most of them can find a full day's work, and is it not desirable that the Government should give the public information?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes. I have promised to consider whether we can give it.

Mr. BILLING

Are Government cars being employed to take members of the Conference to theatres and other places?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

Mr. BILLING

I can show the right hon. Gentleman the order.