HC Deb 04 December 1933 vol 283 cc1451-4

Motion made, and Question proposed. That the Statement of the estimated Income and Expenditure of Greenwich Hospital and Travers' Foundation for the year 1933 be approved."—[Captain Wallace.]

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

I should like the hon. and gallant Gentleman to tell us who are the inspectors of collieries who receive salaries of £75 and £20 respectively from the Colliery Fund and what amount of work they do. If they are paid these sums merely for registering the quantity of coal produced at these collieries, it seems to be an imposition on the Hospital. What services do they render? While we object to royalties being paid to any person, if there is such a thing as a body which might receive royalties, that body would be an institution such as a hospital.

The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Captain Euan Wallace)

It was not from any desire to be discourteous to the House that I did not give any explanation of this Estimate but only because as an ex-Whip I know there is consider-able prejudice against junior Ministers getting up on the wrong side of 12 o'clock. The whole of the facts relating to Greenwich Hospital are contained in this concise booklet which, no doubt, every hon. Member has read. I must say frankly that I am not able at this moment, with the information at my disposal, to give the hon. Gentleman the facts as to the two inspectors in question but I can assure him they are not overpaid. These accounts go through the mill of the Estimates Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor-General. The sums so paid are paid for inspecting, and I think the House may rest assured that they are fairly and honestly earned. I shall certainly take note of the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman. If any body of persons should be allowed to profit by mining royalties, it would be an excellent thing like Greenwich Hospital.

Mr. T. SMITH

We ought to know what these inspectors do. Surely the House is entitled to have that information. [An HON. MEMBER: "They inspect !"] There are inspectors and inspectors. We have a right to know.

Captain WALLACE

It will give me great pleasure to get the full details for the two hon. Gentlemen.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved, That the Statement of the estimated Income and Expenditure of Greenwich Hospital and Travers' Foundation for the year 1933 be approved.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

It being after Halfpast Eleven of the Clock upon Monday evening, Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at Nine Minutes after Twelve o'Clock.