§ 16. Major Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings to what position Mr. Lawrence Neal has been appointed; what salary attaches to it; whether it is whole-time and to what extent the holder may retain any other trading or commercial interests; whether the appointment was filled within the personnel of the Ministry or by advertisement or what other method; and whether Mr. Neal will remain a member of the Deep Sea Fish Committee of the Board of Trade?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Henry Strauss)Mr. Lawrence Neal has been appointed Deputy Secretary in the Planning Department of the Ministry at a salary of £2,000 a year. It was agreed that he should continue to devote not more than one day a week to the affairs of his firm, Daniel Neal and Sons Limited. The appointment was made by selection. The work of the Sea Fish Commission, of which Mr. Neal was a member, came to an end in 1936, but Mr. Neal will continue for a short time to be a member of the Retail Trade Committee which was appointed by the then President of the Board of Trade in May, 1941, in order to assist in the preparation of that Committee's Third Interim Report.
§ Major LyonsHow many candidates were chosen for selection, and by whom was the selection made? Was the appointment advertised, or was the Central Register used?
§ Mr. StraussThe appointment was not made from the Central Register or by advertising. It was made by the Minister.
§ Major LyonsHow were the candidates chosen for interview?
§ Major LyonsIn view of the unsatisfactory answer and the refusal to disclose this information, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest convenient moment.