§ 53. Sir G. Broadbridgeasked the Prime Minister what are the duties of Lord Cherwell; what are his qualifications for his post, what salary he receives, under what Vote it comes, and what are the names of his secretary and his staff?
§ The Prime MinisterWhen I was asked this Question by the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 30th July, I gave the following answer:
Lord Cherwell is one of my personal assistants and advises me as he has for many years upon the scientific and statistical aspects of our national defence. He is the head of the Statistical branch which I formed when at the Admiralty at the outbreak of war to collect and collate all the figures of the various Departments and is now specially charged with the duty of warning me of short fallings in any part of our war supply.As Professor of Physics at Oxford University he was in receipt of a salary of £1,400 a year. But since practically his whole time was from the beginning of the war engaged in official work, I thought it right that £1,000 a year should be paid him by the State. The remaining £400 is still paid him by the University.Since his elevation to the Peerage Lord Cherwell has expressed his wish to serve in an honorary capacity, but I do not consider this would be right in view of the continuous demands I make upon him at all hours of the night and day.The number of Lord Cherwell's staff is 23, and I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the particulars asked for by the hon. Member.
§ Following are the particulars:
§ The number of Lord Cherwell's staff is 23. The names and salaries of those over £400 a year are as follow: —
| £ | |
| Mr. R. F. Harrod | 1,300 |
| Mr. G. D. A. MacDougall | 750 |
| Mr. G. L. S. Shackle | 600 |
| Mr. H. W. Robinson | 600 |
| Mr. D. G. Champernowne | 600 |
| Mr. J. L. Tuck | 600 |
| Miss H. Makower | 480 |
| Mr. D. M. Bensusan-Butt | 355 |
| £120 allowance. |
§ [OFFICIAL REPORT, 30th July, 1941; cols. 1395–96, Vol. 373.]
§ This was the answer I gave on 30th July; I should now add that, as I have 2039 been unable to prevail upon Lord Cherwell to accept any salary for the invaluable assistance which he gives me, there is at present no Vote required. But I should be ready at any time to furnish opportunities for Debate by putting down my own salary.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs he not worth much more?