31. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the descriptive titles of the five highest paid offices in the administration of the British Empire Exhibition, together with the aggregate amount of the salaries paid to their holders?
Mr. SAMUELI do not think that any useful purpose would be served by giving the descriptive titles of the five highest paid officers in the administration of the British Empire Exhibition. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on the 13th July.
Captain GARRO-JONESWould it not be useful, in view of the fact that this House is likely to be called upon to pay these salaries, if the hon. Gentleman gave us, not the individual amount, but the total?
Mr. SAMUELI do not think any useful purpose would be served. The officers of the exhibition are not employed by the Government, and therefore they are not public servants. It would be unwarrantable on my part, and, what is more, as the question has been put once or twice before, I hope the hon. and gallant Gentleman will allow me to say the board of management and the Treasury official who deals with these things are perfectly satisfied with the salaries that are paid.
Captain GARRO-JONESAlthough they are not employed by the Government, they are likely to be paid out of public money, and in that case have we not a right to ask what the total salaries are?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe House of Commons have undertaken a very heavy guarantee. Surely we can have this simple information.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Minister has answered.
Captain GARRO-JONESOn a point of Order. May I submit that this House guarantees certain sums to the British Empire Exhibition on the express understanding that the Minister should have the right to ask the board of management for information on these very points.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is hardly a point of Order for me. It is entirely in the discretion of the Minister.