HC Deb 16 September 1931 vol 256 cc836-7
34. Mr. BATEY

asked the Secretary for Mines how much the chairman of the Coal Reorganisation Committee has been paid by way of subsistence allowances or expenses in addition to his salary?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Foot)

The only payments made to the chairman of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission, in addition to salary, have been in respect of travelling expenses actually incurred while absent from headquarters on official business and subsistence allowances payable in connection with such absences in accordance with the Treasury Regulations governing the payment of such allowances to members of commissions and committees. The amounts thus paid up to the 31st August were £78 18s. 9d. on account of travelling and £19 4s. in respect of subsistence allowances.

Mr. BATEY

By how much is it proposed to reduce the subsistence allowance in connection with the salary of the chairman of the Reorganisation Committee?

Mr. FOOT

I do not know that any proposal to that effect has been made.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman considering this economy in the chairman's salary?

Mr. FOOT

I have nothing whatever to do, and my Department has nothing whatever to do, with the salary, Which was decided previously.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Were these allowances not supported by the votes of Socialist Ministers?