HC Deb 14 June 1928 vol 218 cc1145-6
10. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONE

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the grant of £500 made to Major Graham Bell Murray was made out of the Metropolitan police fund, and that such fund consists of annual Government grants and of the proceeds of a rate and of fines and fees, and is for the purpose of defraying police charges and expenses, he will say by what authority a grant ex gratia was made out of such fund?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

This grant was made as a police expense by my authority.

Mr. MALONE

Are we to take it that there is statutory authority for a grant by the Home Secretary?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I think so. At all events, I have made the grant, and, of course, it is open to the Public Accounts Committee to surcharge me if it is wrong.

Mr. MALONE

In other similar cases, should the application be made to the Home Secretary?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Certainly.

Mr. HAYES

Are there any precedents for such payments?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS indicated assent.

Mr. JOHNSTON

If there are no precedents, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it highly desirable that he should create them?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have done so.