HC Deb 31 March 1930 vol 237 cc883-4
59. Captain BOURNE

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how often the Council of the Duchy has met since 1st July, 1929?

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

The Council of the Duchy has met once since 1st July, 1929.

Captain BOURNE

Does the Council meet in London or in the Duchy?

Sir O. MOSLEY

It meets at the London office of the Duchy.

Sir F. HALL

As the duties of his office seem to be so scarce, would it not be advisable if the Chancellor of the Duchy were to lend his assistance to the Lord Privy Seal, so that they might be able to bring in some schemes—

HON. MEMBERS

Order!

Mr. SMITHERS

Is the Lord Privy Seal a member of the Council of the Duchy?

60. Captain BOURNE

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of staff employed in his Department and the total cost thereof, distinguishing between the cost of salaries and other expenses?

Sir O. MOSLEY

The number of staff employed in the Department is 17 principal officers, including messengers, and six local agents and collectors. The cost of this staff is £7,666. The total expenses of management as appearing in the Account for the year ended 21st December, 1929, recently presented to Parliament, were 210,250—in which figure the salaries of the staff are included.

Sir K. WOOD

Were any of the staff detailed to assist the right hon. Baronet in preparing the memorandum on unemployment?

Major COLFOX

May I ask the Minister, what proportion his own salary bears to the total expenses of the Duchy?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.