HC Deb 07 March 1940 vol 358 cc562-3
56. Mr. McGovern

asked the Home Secretary the amount of salary and expenses paid, respectively, to each Civil Commissioner and Assistant Civil Commissioner for the first six months of service or the latest date, and for those who have refused a salary the amount of expenses paid in each case?

Sir J. Anderson

The maximum annual rates of salary payable to Regional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners are £2,500 and £1,000, respectively, and to District Commissioners and Deputy District Commissioners £1,000 and £750, respectively. It was left to the individual Commissioners to decide what remuneration, if any, they should accept within the maxima allowed. A number of them have wished to give their services without accepting any salary; while others, who have given up their ordinary occupations in order to undertake these duties, have not been in a position to give their services without remuneration. In these circumstances it would be invidious to invite comparison between those who are able to do this work without remuneration and those who have found it necessary to accept a salary; and I do not think the House would wish me to enter into any further particulars of the amounts paid to the various Commissioners. As regards expenses, the Commissioners in receipt of a salary may claim repayment of their expenses at the appropriate Civil Service rates, and those not receiving salaries may claim repayment of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the course of their duties.

Mr. McGovern

May I ask whether this money is paid out of the Secret Service funds, whether I shall have an opportunity of raising the issue on any Vote, and whether, if the money is paid from Secret Service funds, it comes under the usual rules of Secret Service fund?

Sir J. Anderson

I thought the hon. Member would be aware that the money is paid under an Act of Parliament which was passed shortly after the outbreak of war. As far as I remember, the very question which the hon. Member has raised was debated on the Second Reading of the Bill.

Mr. McGovern

Does this mean that no hon. Member is entitled to know how much is drawn by the various individuals from these funds, and is it so secret that hon. Members may not know and tell the people of the country what these men are getting?

Sir J. Anderson

No, Sir.

Mr. McGovern

Is not this a very pertinent question—

Mr. Speaker rose.

Mr. McGovern

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Am I not entitled to get to know how public funds are disbursed, and what certain individuals are getting for various kinds of political organisation?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is entitled to a reply to his Question, but he is not entitled to take up five minutes of Question Time.

Mr. McGovern

There are plenty who take up more than five minutes. I will put the Question down in another form.