§ 30. Lord ROBERT CECILasked the Prime Minister whether he can now announce the names of the Royal Commissioners on the distribution of honours; what is to be their reference; and, particularly, whether the reference will permit them to inquire what donations, if any, recipients of honours have made to party funds?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAlthough the composition of the Royal Commission is not yet complete, as the House is adjourning to-morrow, I will give the names of those who have already promised to serve:—
1664 My hon. Friend the Member for the Northern Division of Cornwall (Sir George Croydon Marks).
- Lord Dunedin (Chairman).
- Lord Denman.
- My right hon. Friend the Member for Widnes (Mr. Arthur Henderson).
- My right hon. Friend the Member for Aston (Sir Evelyn Cecil).
- My hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chelsea (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Samuel Hoare).
The Duke of Devonshire has also been invited, and I hope he will accept, although we have not yet received a final reply from him.
The terms of reference will be those read out in the course of the Debate in this House and in another place, and accepted by those who moved and seconded the Motion in both Houses:—
To advise on the procedure to he adopted in future to assist the Prime Minister in making recommendations to His Majesty of names of persons deserving special honour.
§ Lord R. CECILCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question as to whether the reference will permit them to inquire what donations, if any, recipients of honours have made to party funds?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROf course it is not for me to interpret the terms of reference. That is the duty of the Chairman of the Committee. I should have thought that was obvious.
§ Mr. HOWARD GRITTENDoes that mean that there is to be no retrospective inquiry?
§ Captain W. BENNWhat powers will the Commission have? Will they have power to take evidence on oath and to send for witnesses?