HC Deb 07 August 1941 vol 373 cc2084-6
45. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Prime Minister how many individuals are serving on the staffs of the right hon. Members for St. George's (Mr. Duff Cooper) and Alder-shot (Mr. Lyttelton), respectively; who they are; and what emoluments they are receiving?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

The number on the staff of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is two, and of the Minister of State 16. With my hon.

Name. Rank in Civil Service. Salary. Foreign Allowance.
£ £
Mr. A. N. Rucker, C.B., C.B.E … Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health. 2,200 1,500
Mr. W. L. Matthews, C.B., O.B.E. Principal Assistant Secretary, Assistance Board. 1,700 1,000
Mr. H. L. d'A. Hopkinson … Counsellor, Foreign Office … 1,150—1,500 800
Mr. H. J. B. Lintott … … Principal, Board of Trade … 800—1,100 650
plus £250 allowance as Private Secretary to Minister.
Mr. J. S. Bennett … … Principal, Colonial Office … 800—1,100 400
Mr. C. S. Pickard … … Assistant Principal, Department of Home Security. 275—625 plus allowance £ 175 500
In addition to the above, clerical and typing staff numbering three on the usual scale of remuneration have been sent from this country and granted the appropriate foreign allowances; and seven persons, mainly in clerical and typing grades, have been recruited to the Minister's staff in Egypt.

46. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Prime Minister whether a statement can now be made concerning the duties overseas of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

Mr. Attlee

I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement which appeared in the Press on 21st July last.

Sir I. Albery

Is it not a fact that the only information given to the House on that occasion was as to who would perform the functions of the Duchy of Lancaster over here, and that no information was given about the duties?

Mr. Attlee

My hon. Friend is mistaken. The statement made was that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster was proceeding to the Far East charged with the task of examining, on behalf of the War Cabinet, the present arrangements for consultation and co-ordination and gallant Friend's permission I will circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The following is the staff of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster:

Major Robertson, Liaison Officer.

Mr. M. B. P. Russell, Private Secretary.

The remuneration and allowances of these officers have not yet been determined.

The following is the staff of the Minister of State:

between the various British authorities, military, administrative and political, in those regions, and of reporting to them how these arrangements can be made more effective.

Sir A. Southby

Will the Chancellor of the Duchy return from time to time and report to this House?

Mr. Stephen

Does not the Lord Privy Seal think that the important statement referred to should have been made to this House and not to the Press?

Sir A. Southby

Might I have a reply to my Supplementary Question?

Mr. De la Bère

Is not the practice of ignoring the House of Commons becoming more prevalent each day?

Mr. Stephen

May I have an answer to my Supplementary Question?

Mr. Attlee

That matter should have been raised at the time.