HC Deb 10 November 1921 vol 148 cc607-8
61. Sir J. REMNANT

asked the Home Secretary whether it has been the custom for the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Special Intelligence Branch of New Scotland Yard to prepare a weekly Report for the use of the Government; and whether it was furnished to the Home Secretary for communication to the Cabinet or whether it was sent to the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police?

Mr. SHORTT

Yes, Sir. The weekly report in question was sent to me for communication to the Cabinet. An early copy was also sent direct by the Assistant Commissioner to the Commissioner.

Sir J. REMNANT

Were these weekly reports signed by Sir Joseph Byrne?

Mr. SHORTT

No weekly reports were signed by him.

Sir J. REMNANT

Nor any report?

Mr. SHORTT

Certainly no report.

65. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Home Secretary if he can now state the annual present cost of the special branch of Scotland Yard recently under the control of Sir Basil Thomson; whether this includes expenditure from Secret Service funds and, if so, what proportion is so expended; what was the cost of this special branch last year; what salary and allowances did Sir Basil Thomson receive as head of the branch; and what pension is he receiving?

Mr. SHORTT

The pay, allowances, travelling and other expenses of the police officers and clerical staff employed in the branch referred to cost approximately £70,000 per annum, and the corresponding figure for the last financial year was about the same with the addition of the police bonus. Sir Basil Thomson received a salary of £2,000, and his pension has been fixed at £1,120, to commence on the 1st December, when he retires and ceases to draw salary. The above figures do not include expenditure from secret service funds, as to which, in accordance with the recognised practice, I cannot give information.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it the fact that this expenditure of £70,000 has only resulted in the deportation of four revolutionary aliens in the last year, and, in the interests of economy, could not this branch be cut down?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the paper.