HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2214-6
15. Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, from the inception of the Ministry up till 1921–22, one Permanent Secretary was considered sufficient to supervise the Department, at a salary of £l,500 a year; that in 1921–22 two joint Permanent Secretaries were appointed at £3,000 a year each; and that in the Estimates for 1922–23 provision is made for a Chief Labour Adviser at £3,000 a year, and a Permanent Secretary at £2,200 a year; and why work carried on in 1920 for £1,500 is in 1922 to cost £5,200?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnamara)

When the Ministry of Labour was formed, in 1916, the staff included a Secretary at £1,500, and also a Chief Industrial Commissioner at £2,000. In 1919, the attempt was made to combine the duties attaching to the two in one and the same office. Experience proved that the work could not be effectively done by one officer, and in April, 1920, arrangements were made to free Sir David Shackleton from the duties of Secretary, and to enable him to devote himself exclusively to the work of Chief Labour Adviser. These arrangements involved the appointment of a separate Secretary of the Ministry. Both officers were assigned the salary of £3,000 a year, in common with the permanent heads of other first-class offices. The salary and rank attaching to the Chief Labour Adviser are personal to the present holder, and will be reviewed on a vacancy. In August last a change of Secretary afforded opportunity to review the controlling posts at the Ministry. There were then a Secretary at £3,000, a Chief Labour Adviser at £3,000, and a second Secretary at £1,350. It was decided to appoint a Secretary at £2,200, to continue the Chief Labour Adivser at £3,000, and to abolish the post of second Secretary. These arrangements effected a saving of £2,150 per annum.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ordinary taxpayer, who has the greatest difficulty in making both ends meet, is very dissatisfied with this increase of permanent officials and their bloated salaries?

Dr. MACNAMARA

There is already a reduction of £2,150 a year.

Mr. W. TH0RNE

Are they paid out of the contributions of the employers and the workmen?

Dr. MACNAMARA

They are paid out of the Consolidated Fund.