HC Deb 15 June 1921 vol 143 cc408-9
55. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government have considered the advisability of discontinuing the War-time practice of appointing two Patronage Secretaries to the Treasury; and what additional Departmental work justifies such continuance?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said in Debate on the 13th instant on this subject, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Would it not be possible to make one of these posts an unpaid post?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is possible to make any post an unpaid post, but whether it is desirable is another matter.

Captain W. BENN

Is it not a fact that the salaries paid in respect of these offices are for work that is not for the public but for a party?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is work for the public. Why the hon. and gallant Gentleman should take this line now for the first time, having carefully voted the salaries of his own friends before, I do not know.

Captain BENN

again rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

This matter was debated the day before yesterday.