§ 37. Mr. PIKEasked the First Commissioner of Works upon which Vote the salaries and wages of the new custodian force will fall; the approximate cost; and the basis upon which the estimated saving of £13,000 in the national expenditure is arrived at?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)The salaries and wages of the new custodian force will fall upon the Vote for the House of Lords Offices. The approximate annual cost will be £6,700 and the basis of the estimated saving of £13,000 is the difference between the present cost of the police (£38,821 per annum) and custodians (£2,815 per annum) and the proposed cost of £22,000 for police and £6,700 for custodians.
§ Mr. PIKEIn view of the fact that the custodian force is to be greater in number than that which they are displacing, will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether it is proposed to effect this economy at the expense of small wages?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORECertainly a custodian will not be paid anything like the 1609 rates that the police are paid. I see that ordinary constables serving in this House cost £1 3s. 1d. for every eight hours they are on duty. That is a very high figure indeed. The custodians' wages will range from £3 a week, upwards.
§ Mr. COCKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to obtain the views of the House before bringing this scheme into operation?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENo, Sir.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it true that a pensioned-inspector is to be appointed, and will the right hon. Gentleman give us the value of the pension, and say what the estimated salary is likely to be?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENo appointments have yet been made, and it does not rest with me to make the appointments.
§ Mr. HICKSIs it intended to take into calculation, for the purpose of the £3 odd, any pension that may be received?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORENo.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORE indicated assent.