§ 18. Sir H. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade the remuneration of Mr. Haydn Davies, the press officer; and whether this gentleman is still employed on the staff of the "Star" newspaper?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)Mr. Haydn Davies is a member of the staff of the "Star" newspaper and has been released for part-time duties in the Board of Trade. His salary is £500 per annum.
§ Sir H. WilliamsAre we to understand that Mr. Davies is still on the staff of the "Star" and is working for the "Star"?
§ Mr. DaltonHe is working part-time for the Board of Trade and I understand he is also working part-time for the "Star."
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it not very undesirable that a man working for a newspaper should at the same time be in a confidential position in a Government office?
§ Mr. DaltonI do not think there has been any ground for complaint up to now. I think it is working quite satisfactorily.
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyAre there other cases of people on the right hon. Gentleman's staff who are also working part-time for newspapers?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir; this is the only case.
§ 19. Sir H. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade the position and salary of Mr. Francis Meynell.
§ Mr. DaltonMr. Francis Meynell reports to the Board of Trade on the effect of various measures taken to control the production and consumption of essential articles of clothing and household goods. The title of his post is Adviser on Consumer Needs. He is unpaid.
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonWhat qualifications has he?
§ Mr. DaltonHe is a director of Mather & Crowther, Ltd., and has been working at the Board of Trade, giving great satisfaction to me and to my predecessors since the summer of 1940.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallDoes my right hon. Friend also agree that he is an extremely able and intellectual man?
§ Mr. DaltonHe is very able. The word "intellectual" is sometimes misused.
§ Mr. GallacherIs he a Communist?