HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 cc514-5
46. Mr. Horabin

asked the Prime Minister who is now the acting head of the Treasury and the Civil Service, in view of the fact that Sir Horace Wilson has been seconded for services outside that Department?

The Prime Minister

Sir Horace Wilson was seconded to the Treasury in June, 1935, for service with the Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. In April last, he was transferred to the Treasury establishment and, in addition to his service with the Prime Minister, he has recently (in the absence of Sir Warren Fisher, who is Regional Commissioner for the North-Western Region) been acting as Permanent Secretary to the Treasury and Head of His Majesty's Civil Service. His formal appointment as Secretary to the Treasury will take effect on 1st November.

Mr. Shinwell

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether Sir Horace Wilson is undertaking any duties in connection with the Government's economic activities?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, not now.

Mr. Dalton

Is Sir Horace Wilson still acting as Chief Diplomatic Adviser, to the Prime Minister?

The Prime Minister

He has never acted as such.