§ 49. Sir GERALD STRICKLANDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the withdrawal of Mr. Mahaffy from being legal adviser in Malta to the military authorities, the Air Force, and the Navy, and the withdrawal of £200 from Army funds coupled therewith, his salary payable by direction of the Secretary of State at £1,200 a year will remain the same under reserved services; and whether another legal adviser will he appointed to advise in naval, military, and Air Force matters?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)The answer 1764 to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. The second part is a matter for the Department concerned.
§ Sir G. STRICKLANDMay I ask the reasons for which an official appointed by the Colonial Office should continue to receive the same pay after a notable diminution of his work; whether he is responsible for the legal complications from which my right hon. Friend has informed this House he is seeking a way out by endeavouring to draft a special reference before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; and, further, whether he has as yet been successful in formulating the terms of this reference?
§ Mr. AMERYThe official is receiving the proper salary fixed for the work by the Maltese Government. The other questions are much too wide for me to answer now.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House exactly who pays the salary of this legal officer?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIf the right hon. Gentleman or his Department have any power to reduce or increase the salary of this legal official, should they not pay something towards the salary?