HC Deb 19 January 1943 vol 386 cc33-4
48. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister how many appointments he has made to offices of profit under the Crown overseas from among hon. Members and Members of the other House; and how many of those appointed were members of the Labour Party?

Mr. Attlee

Excluding members of His Majesty's Forces posted abroad, there have been 15 such appointments since the present Government took office. In addition, there have been three appointments as Ambassador, which is not technically regarded as an office of profit. Six of these 18 cases were from the other House and 12 from among hon. Members of this House. The Members selected were appointed on account of special qualifications for the duties involved. The answer to the second part of the Question is "None."

Mr. Shinwell

Will my right hon. Friend occasionally remind himself of some of the high qualifications of some of his Labour colleagues? Is it not invidious that out of 18 appointments in this and the other House not a single representative of the Labour Party has been regarded as fit to occupy a position abroad?

Mr. Attlee

I am always very conscious of the qualifications of my colleagues.

Mr. Shinwell

But will my right hon. Friend, being conscious of the high qualifications of his colleagues, direct the attention of his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to that fact?