§ 64. Sir JAMES REMNANTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that, under the agreement of 24th June, 1920, Mr. Wintour was entitled to a salary of £3,000 per annum, free of Income and Super Tax, £2,000 per annum as entertainment allowance, and his travelling expenses while away from London; if so, seeing that the exhibition must end next year, on what basis the compensation of £14,600 was arrived at, in view of the fact that his expenses for entertainment and travelling on behalf of the exhibition would not be incurred after his retirement; is he aware that the sum of £2,110 15s. 6d. was paid to him within a month of the signing of the agreement for the purpose of purchasing a motor car; and who was responsible for arranging these terms?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that the allowance of £2,000 included provision for a motorcar as well as for entertainment. As regards the second part, I understand the amount of compensation was assessed on a basis of 2½ years' salary and allowances. As regards the third part, if my hon. Friend will consult the agreement he will see that the sum of £2,110 15s. 6d. was to be paid to Mr. Wintour not merely for purchasing a motor-car, but in view of his having already been engaged on the work of the exhibition for nearly six months. As regards the last part of the question, I may refer my hon. Friend to my previous answer.
§ Sir J. REMNANTAm I to understand from what has been just said that this exhibition was promoted by Mr. Wintour?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYnot say that.
Captain A. EVANSIs it the fact that the Gentleman in question is still in receipt of a salary of £1,000 per annum for agreeing to act in an advisory capacity? Can I have an answer to that question, Mr. Speaker?
§ 66. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what are the emoluments of Mr. Belcher and the cost of his visit to New Zealand in connection with the British Empire Exhibition?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYI am informed that Mr. Belcher receives a salary of £1,700 and an entertainment allowance of £800. I understand that an expenditure of £408 was incurred by Mr. Belcher's mission, consisting of four persons in all, during their stay in New Zealand, which extended from 3rd July to 29th August, 1922. This visit formed part of a tour of all the Dominions, and it would be difficult to estimate what proportion of the cost of the mission's oversea transport should be allocated to the New Zealand visit.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why Mr. Belcher was appointed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEYNo, I cannot tell the hon. Member that.