HC Deb 06 March 1928 vol 161 c219
29. Brigadier-General SPEARS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the personnel of the Army Council and the total pay and allowances of the above, now and in 1913?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

The Army Council consists of three Ministers, four military members and at present two joint secretaries. It consisted in 1913 of three Ministers and four military members. The aggregate salaries amounted to £17,500 in 1913, and are now £28,861, including the salaries of the joint secretaries, who in 1913 were not members of the Army Council.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Will the cost be reduced in the near future?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

A good deal of the additional cost will be found, if the hon. Member will look at my answer, to be due to the fact that the secretaries were not members in 1913, and their pay is not included.

Mr. LANSBURY

Have these two secretaries been added?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it not a fact that these members of the Army Council are not paid as members of the Army Council?