§ 68. Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of the retaining fee paid to Sir Reginald Ford; the duties for which he is being retained; and the probable period of his residence in Brussels?
§ Mr. StanleyThe retaining fee is 250 guineas per annum. Sir Reginald Ford, 1552 Chief Divisional Food Officer for London and the Home Counties, is being retained for duties connected with the special problem of maintaining food supplies in the Greater London area in the event of war. This post is in addition to the three divisional food officers in that area. As regards the last part of the question, I am unable to add to the information which I gave in reply to the hon. Member's question on 7th February.
§ Mr. ManderIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir Reginald Ford stated that his only reason for living in Brussels is that he likes it; and is that a sufficiently good reason in the circumstances?
§ Mr. PetherickCan my right hon. Friend say whether the 250 guineas a year includes or excludes travelling expenses to and from Brussels?
§ Mr. StanleyI am afraid I cannot. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put the question down.
§ Sir Percy HarrisDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the bad impression that is created by the absence of this officer at a time when people are thinking a great deal about this question and are working out schemes; and could not the right hon. Gentleman persuade him to take up residence here, or appoint some other officer who lives here?
§ Mr. StanleyI think that any bad impression is entirely due to misapprehension as to this gentleman's qualifications and duties. I am hoping that the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) will be able to raise this question on the Adjournment to-night, when I shall be only too glad to give full particulars.
Mr. MenderIs it open to other officers connected with the Defence Services also to live abroad if they so desire?
§ Mr. StanleyThe hon. Member must realise that this is not a question of a whole-time officer doing daily routine work.