HC Deb 08 August 1940 vol 364 cc414-6
45. Mr. Stokes

aked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that he has added a prominent trade unionist to the Swinton Committee, he is prepared to state the name of that official together with the salary paid to him?

47 Mr. Austin Hopkinson

asked the Prime Minister (1) what is the name of the trade union leader who has been appointed to the Swinton Committee;

  1. (2) upon what Vote the expenditure of the Swinton Committee is borne;
  2. (3) what remuneration is being received by each of the members of the Swinton Committee?

Mr. Attlee

The Home Defence (Security) Executive, over which Lord Swinton presides, is responsible for the co-ordination of a number of activities in connection with Home Defence, and the Services and other Government Departments are represented on it, and the executive has been furnished with the necessary staff. Lord Swinton was invited to undertake this work by the present War Cabinet and is responsible to the Prime Minister. The remuneration of the staff and the expenses of administration are borne on the Treasury Vote. Lord Swinton himself, and Mr. Wall—who is the trade union leader referred to—draw no salary. Other officers connected with the executive draw their pay as officers of the Fighting Services or as civil servants. Salaries are paid by the Treasury or by the various Services or Departments to which attached officers belong. As has been stated on previous occasions, it is the view of His Majesty's Government that it would not be in the public interest to discuss the work of the Security Executive; and I have no intention of doing so. The Prime Minister takes full responsibility for its functions and work.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Lord Privy Seal prepared to state what Sir Joseph Ball and Mr. Crocker receive in the way of salaries?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir.

Mr. Stokes

Why should we not know?

Mr. Buchanan

How is it contrary to the public interest to know the salaries? Why should we not know; we know the men and why should we not know the salaries?

Mr. Granville

Does the Committee report to the Home Secretary or to the Prime Minister?

Mr. Attlee

It reports to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Stokes

Why? Does the Prime Minister pay their salaries himself?

Mr. Hopkinson

What conceivable public interest could suffer from the House of Commons knowing how our money is being spent? Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the appointment of Lord Swinton and the other gentleman mentioned are appointments which will give confidence in this secret committee to the trade union movement?

Hon. Members

Answer!

Mr. Attlee

I said that Mr. Wall was a well-known and a highly respected trade unionist having the confidence of those in the trade union movement.

Mr. Hopkinson

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that Lord Swinton is a suitable person for this office?

Mr. Stokes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.