HC Deb 07 April 1930 vol 237 cc1758-60
71. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give the names of the members of the council which advises him respecting his duties and state the terms and periods of their appointments?

The CHANCELLOR of the DUCHY of LANCASTER (Sir Oswald Mosley)

The Council of the Duchy of Lancaster consists of the Receiver-General of the Duchy, Sir Frederick Ponsonby, and the Attorney-General of the Duchy, Sir Herbert Cunliffe, who are ex-officio members, Lord Bledisloe, Lord Buckmaster, Lord Leconfield, Lord Lovat and Sir Herbert Mitchell. Members of the Council, not being ex-officio members, are appointed under Royal Sign Manual Warrant. The more important questions of policy arising out of the administration of the Duchy estates for which I am responsible, are from time to time laid before the Council for their consideration and advice.

Mr. BRACKEN

Is the hon. Baronet not aware that Lord Bledisloe is on his way to take up the appointment of Governor-General of New Zealand?

Sir O. MOSLEY

I am aware of that situation. Under the terms of Lord Bledisloe's appointment, I do not deem it my duty to tender any advice.

Sir K. WOOD

Have any of the Members of this Council assisted the hon. Baronet to frame the Memorandum on "How to solve the unemployment problem"?

72. Captain BOURNE

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether appointments to fill vacancies that may occur amongst the staff of his Department are made through the Civil Service Commissioners?

Sir O. MOSLEY

Appointments to the staff of the Duchy of Lancaster, the expenses and salaries of which are not chargeable to the Consolidated Fund, are for this reason not governed by the rules affecting entrance to the Civil Service, but are made at the discretion of the Chancellor. The only appointment to the Duchy staff which I have been called upon to make was made through the Civil Service Commissioners.

Sir F. HALL

Are special facilities granted to the "P" men to enable them to became established civil servants? Are they considered at all? Apparently, the hon. Baronet is not aware what permanent "P" ex-service men?

Sir O. MOSLEY

Certainly. they will have the usual consideration.

Sir F. HALL

We want more than the usual consideration.