HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc739-40
29. Mr. Bellenger

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present domicile of the recently appointed food controller, Major-General Sir Reginald Ford?

30. Mr. Chater

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Food (Defence Plans) Department propose to replace Sir Reginald Ford as Divisional Food Control Officer for the London and Home Counties area, by someone who is able to reside whole time in the district of Great Britain in which he will act in an emergency, as principal food officer?

38. Mr. Mander

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed that the Chief Divisional Food Control Officer for London and the Home Counties, Sir Reginald Ford, shall continue to reside in Brussels?

Mr. Stanley

Major-General Sir Reginald Ford, the Chief Divisional Food Officer for London and the Home Counties, is at present residing temporarily, and for private reasons, in Brussels. I do not consider it necessary to make it a condition of these appointments that the holders should reside permanently in their areas in time of peace, and I do not regard Sir Reginald Ford's temporary residence abroad as affording any ground for making a change in this appointment. I may add that, in addition to the Chief Divisional Food Officer for London and the Home Counties, there is a Divisional Food Officer for the Greater London Area, one for the Home Counties (North) and one for the Home Counties (South).

Mr. Bellenger

Does this officer receive any remuneration for these duties?

Mr. Stanley

He will receive a small retaining fee.

Miss Wilkinson

Do I understand that these appointments are purely ornamental?

Mr. Stanley

No, certainly not. The hon. Lady will realise that in these days of improved air travel Brussels is very much closer to London than, say, the West Country.

Mr. Alexander

May I ask the President whether he considers it reasonable, after all the work that has been done to assist the Government by people in this country, that he should appoint an officer in this position and of the age of the gallant General?

Mr. Stanley

Sir Reginald Ford was appointed because he has a special knowledge of transport matters, which I think everyone will agree is a very great qualification.

Mr. Mander

Does it not give a very bad impression of the Government's seriousness in this matter to allow this gentleman to live abroad? Would it not be about as reasonable to allow the Prime Minister to live in Berlin?

Mr. Bellenger

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.