HC Deb 14 November 1932 vol 270 cc752-4
51. Mr. THORNE

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many men, and in what grades, are employed in the Houses of Parliament at a wage of less than £3 a week; and whether any of these employés have been invited to apply for a position in the corps of custodians?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

Excluding the 16 night custodians at present under the control of the Office of Works all of whom, it is anticipated, will be offered appointments in the new corps, the following staff now employed in the Houses of Parliament are in receipt of wages amounting to less than £3 per week:

  • 45 Building trades labourers.
  • 30 Engineering attendants.
  • 4 Lift attendants.
  • 24 Cleaners.
  • 7 Porters.
  • 15 Messengers.
I am informed that invitations have not been issued to these employés to apply for posts in the new corps but that there is nothing to prevent any of the men applying, if they so desire.

73 and 74. Mr. LUNN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) what is the amount of pension paid to the incoming superintendent and to each of the inspectors of the new body of custodians of the Houses of Parliament?

(2) how many of the new custodians of the Houses of Parliament below the rank of inspector are in receipt of a pension; and what is the amount of pension in each case?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The appointments to the new corps of custodians will rest with the Lord Great Chamberlain, and I am informed that no appointments have yet 'been officially made. It is accordingly not possible at present to give the information for which the hon. Member asks.

Mr. HICKS

Before the appointments are finally made, will the Financial Secretary give the House an opportunity of discussing the matter, as there is certainly much feeling about the question of appointing to these positions persons with adequate pensions already?

Mr. LANSBURY

May we have an answer to my hon. Friend's supplementary question?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I do not quite follow my hon. Friend's question. It rests within the jurisdiction of the Lord Great Chamberlain to appoint a few persons to certain posts, and how can the House of Commons possibly reach a decision?

Mr. LANSBURY

Surely the House of Commons, in the last resort, is responsible. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] What we are asking for is a statement as to the number of these appointments, the salaries to be paid, and the pensions which are already being paid to those who have been appointed. I think such a statement should be put before the House, and hon. Members should have an opportunity of discussing it.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

It will be open to the Leader of the Opposition to put down the necessary Vote.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is the Financial Secretary not aware that these appointments may be made before we are able to put the Vote down? What we are asking is that this innovation shall not take place until the House of Commons has had an opportunity of discussing the matter.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I do not think there is any innovation at all. It is always within the administrative competence of the Government to appoint men to certain posts, and no great principle is involved.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Will the hon. Gentleman make representations to the appointing authority as to the unfairness of appointing people already in receipt of adequate pensions?