§ 61. Mr. ATKEYasked the Prime Minister whether Sir R. F. Dunnell, secretary and solicitor of the North-Eastern Railway Company, has been appointed to organise the secretarial and legal departments of the Ministry of Ways and Communications; whether this arrangement was communicated to and approved by the War Cabinet before the appointment was made; how many North-Eastern railway officials and ex-officials in addition to the right hon. the Member for Cambridge and Sir R. F. Dunnell have received, or have been promised, appointments in the new Ministry; and whether some person with the necessary special qualifications, and not a railway official, will be selected to organise the secretarial and legal branch of the Road Department of the Ministry?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the appointment was not one which required the approval of the War Cabinet, and consequently was not so referred. No permanent appointments have been or can be made until the 1220 Bill receives the Royal Assent. As regards the last part of the question the Minister-designate contemplates that the Roads Department of the Ministry, like other Departments of the same Ministry, will not take a separate secretariat and legal branch.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs it right that officials who have never served in the War should hold two appointments and draw two salaries?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think that is the case. I think those who serve in the new Ministry will only be in that position.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs my right hon. Friend aware that they do not get pay, but they get allowances, which comes to exactly the same thing?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, I am not aware of that. If that is so I should like notice.