§ 35. Major Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings the number of architects to whom, in respect of commissions of his Department, fees or credits for professional work from 1st January, 1941, to date exceed the sum of £10,000, respectively; the number whet.? such emoluments reach or exceed the sum of £20,000; and whether he will indicate the number in each classification where the architect or a member of his firm holds, or has held, a position in the Ministry?
§ Mr. HicksThe number of architects commissioned by the Ministry to whom since January, 1941, fees amounting to between £10,000 and £20,000 have become or will become payable is eight, 1517 and the number to whom fees exceeding £20,000 have become or will become payable is two. No officer of the Ministry is connected with any of the firms in the first group. An officer in the Ministry is connected with one firm in the second group.
§ Major LyonsDoes it not become a gross scandal when, in two cases, sums exceeding £20,000 are paid in fees to architects in one year and when one of the two is an officer in the Department?
§ Mr. HicksI answered that Question last week. The Director of Works receives no salary at all from the Ministry of Works and Buildings.
§ Major LyonsHe does not want any salary, with £20,000 a year profit.
§ Mr. HicksThe answer I gave then is the only answer I can give now. It is a matter of policy. It is a question whether successful firms, individuals from which are invited to join the Ministry, should any longer be entitled to do any work for the Government.
§ Major LyonsBut in his position as Director of Works is he not able to give out these commissions from which he re-receives £20,000 a year profit? He does not want any salary.
§ Mr. StokesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first available opportunity.