§ 29. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister if he will state in detail what duties are at present being discharged by the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; and whether their nature and extent is such as to occupy the whole time of a Minister of Cabinet rank?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Chief Secretary is responsible to Parliament for the administration or liquidation of all Imperial services in Southern Ireland which have not been transferred to the Provisional Government and of such reserved or excepted services in Northern Ireland as were formerly within his jurisdiction. He is also responsible for dealing with any questions relating to matters which arose prior to the establishment of the Provisional Government. The total estimated expenditure in the current year in respect of these services exceeds nine million pounds, and some of them, in particular the liquidation of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the settlement of claims for malicious injuries, involve questions of very considerable magnitude, and require very careful and detailed administration. In addition to these administrative duties, my right hon. Friend is a member of the Cabinet Committee which deals with Irish affairs.
§ Captain BENNCan the Prime Minister fix any time limit for the discontinuance of this office?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs soon as these matters are liquidated.
Mr. HOGGEWhy does it require a Minister at £5,000 a year to wind up about half the work he used to do? Cannot my right hon. Friend, as an economist, get the work done very much cheaper?
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCannot the right hon. Gentleman put the Secretary of State for Air in the Cabinet and deprive the Irish Secretary of Cabinet rank, thereby mitigating a double grievance?