HC Deb 26 September 1939 vol 351 cc1192-4
21. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of the Regional Commissioners and their deputies; the salary paid to each individual; the names of those who are accepting salaries and those offering themselves without salary, and, in the case of those giving voluntary service, the amount of expenses paid per day; and whether Members of Parliament are permitted to serve without resigning their seats?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 18th April to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby). In addition to the names then announced, the following appointments have been made: —

To be Regional Commissioner for Scotland, the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Western Division of Stirling and Clackmannan (Mr. Johnston); to be Deputy Regional Commissioner for the Northern Region, the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson); to be Deputy Regional Commissioner in Wales, the hon. Member; for Wrexham (Mr. Richards).

As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the House on 1st September during the Second Reading of the Regional Commissioners Bill, when I gave particulars of the maximum salaries payable to regional commissioners and deputy regional commissioners. I then indicated that, in the Government's view, the wish of any gentleman appointed to receive no remuneration should be respected. The question of the remuneration, if any, to be accepted within the maxima allowed is one which rests with the commissioners or deputy commissioners themselves. In these circumstances, I believe that the House would not wish me to enter into any further particulars. I may, however, state that the Members of this House who have accepted appointment have in each case declined to accept any personal salary. With regard to the expenses to be paid to regional and deputy regional commissioners, these will have regard to the disbursements likely to be incurred by them in the course of their duties. In reply to the final part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Regional Commissioners Act, which enables Members of this House to retain their seats on accepting these appointments.

Mr. McGovern

When discussions take place in this House affecting the Departments or work of hon. Members who are regional or deputy regional commissioners, will they be free to take part in the discussions and defend the work carried out by them and answer any questions, or must the reports come through their chiefs, the Secretary for Scotland or the Home Secretary?

Sir J. Anderson

I have made it clear on previous occasions that the responsibility of Ministers of the Crown for the work upon which, or in connection with which, these gentlemen will be employed remains unimpaired.

Mr. McGovern

The question that I have asked has not been answered. Will Members of the House who hold these posts be expected, or free, to defend the work with which they are associated and reply to criticism of it, or must criticism be directed to their chiefs holding Ministerial posts?

Sir J. Anderson

Criticisms should certainly be directed, in the ordinary constitutional way, to the Ministers responsible. As regards any contribution which any of the hon. Members in question might wish to make to the Debates in this House, that is a matter which must be left, I suggest, to the discretion and good sense of the Members in question.

Mr. McGovern

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that these Members will not be compelled to take part in debate from the Government side of the House, but will be free to keep up the illusion of being members of the Opposition?

Mr. George Griffiths

Is this the green eye of jealousy down there?

66. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Home Secretary whether there is included on the staff of regional commissioners any officer especially appointed to deal with finance and economy and for liaison purposes with the Treasury?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir. There is on the staff of each regional commissioner an officer appointed by the Treasury to represent that Department.

Sir I. Albery

In that case may I ask how it arises that there is so much difference in the ratio of expenditure in different districts?

Sir J. Anderson

That is a different question.

Forward to