§ 42. Captain Crowderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what staff there is in the Department which deals with producer-gas and who is the director in charge?
§ 43. Major Petherickasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, who is now in charge of the department dealing with producer-gas in the Ministry of War Transport; and what qualifications the holder has for this post; what is his salary; and what is his age?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Sir Arthur Salter)The Director of Producer Gas Vehicles is Sir Alfred Faulkner, who is 60 years of age and has special experience of fuel problems. The salary attaching to the post is £1,200 per annum. The senior staff at present proposed includes an administrative officer, and three technical men, a mechanical engineer, a chemist and a production engineer, with the necessary technical and clerical assistance.
§ Captain CrowderCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the salary of £1,200 a year is in addition to the pen- 1346 sion which this gentleman receives on retiring?
§ Sir A. SalterThe pension is adjusted so that the total receipts, including the salary and the reduced pension, are equal to the salary which Sir Alfred Faulkner previously received in his previous post.
§ Major PetherickIs my right hon. Friend absolutely convinced that such a post is necessary at all?
§ Sir A. SalterMy Noble Friend certainly thinks it is, or he would not have made the appointment.
§ Mr. ThorneCan the right hon. Gentleman state the method of producing this kind of gas?
§ 44. Captain Crowderasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether Sir Alfred Faulkner is still employed in his Ministry?
§ Captain CrowderCan the hon. Gentleman say whether he was retired under the age limit?
§ Mr. SmithI think I had better refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to his previous Question.